Powell, 67, who assumed charge as US ambassador in April, 2012, had announced ending of her tenure in India in March this year.
Stephens will serve as the charge until a new permanent ambassador is nominated and confirmed by the US Senate. US President Barack Obama has not yet nominated anyone for this important diplomatic posting.
A career foreign service officer, Stephens is expected to arrive in New Delhi early June. She was US ambassador to South Korea from 2008 to 2011 and previously served in senior positions in Washington, Asia and Europe.
Image: Kathleen Stephens