USBIC appoints Celeste as senior advisor

The US India Business Council (USIBC) has appointed former US ambassador to India Richard F Celeste as the senior advisor to its board of directors.

"We welcome Ambassador Celeste's advice and look forward to working closely with him in the months and years ahead," Charles Chip Kaye, Chairman of the Council said in a statement.

"It is my pleasure to advise USIBC's board of directors in its work to enhance trade and commercial ties between the United States and India. Our two countries have much in common, with shared interests in science, technology, alternative energy and information security," Celeste, who is also president of Colorado College, said.

Celeste, who was former Governor of the State of Ohio, began his term as 12th president of Colorado College in July 2002.

Prior to joining the college, he served as the US ambassador to India from 1997-2001. Celeste deserves the credit to bring President Bill Clinton to India in the second visit by a US President to India since Dwight D Eisenhower made the trip in 1959, the USIBC said in a statement.

During his tenure as ambassador, Celeste played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between the US and India especially in the field of science and technology.

The USIBC is the premier business advocacy organisation representing 250 of the largest US companies investing in India and two dozen of India's largest global companies.