The Asia Foundation, the India Community Center, the Center for South Asia at Stanford University, and the World Affairs Council of Northern California will host:

An evening of conversation on Ambassador Teresita Schaffer’s new book

India and the U.S. in the 21st Century: Reinventing Partnership

with

Ambassador Teresita Schaffer
Asia Foundation Trustee, Director, South Asia Program, CSIS, Former U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs

and

Professor Pradeep Chhibber
Director of the Institute of International Studies, the University of California, Berkeley

Monday, October 5, 2009
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Oksenberg Room (3rd floor), Encina Hall Central
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6045
(Directions)

“This book is essential to understanding the present state of U.S.-India relations and the prospects for the future. It is well organized, comprehensive, balanced, thoughtful, and full of  the kind of insight that not only makes for good reading but even better understanding.”

–Thomas R. Pickering, former U.S. Ambassador to India

Seating is limited. Please register by October 2, 2009 to Vishnu@indiacc.org

Ambassador Schaffer examines the astonishing new strategic partnership between the United States and India, the two countries’ success in forging bilateral relations and their relatively skimpy record of seeking common ground on global issues despite the vibrant new network of bilateral ties. In her new book Ambassador Schaffer proposes a policy of inclusion and candor, with the United States taking the relationship global and regional by helping to move India into global councils of leadership.

The Asia Foundation announced today the appointment of Nick Langton as its resident Country Director in India, where he will lead the Foundation’s expanded program activities in the country from a fully operational office to be opened in New Delhi this fall. Mr. Langton was most recently the Foundation’s representative in Nepal from 1999 to 2009, where he oversaw programs supporting governance and law, conflict transformation and peace-building, economic reform, and women’s security.

With over 25 years of experience in Asia, Mr. Langton is a South Asia specialist with expertise in the areas of legal rights, community mediation and peace building, and anti-trafficking of women and children. He joined the Foundation in 1986 as Assistant Representative in Bangladesh and Nepal and later served as the Foundation’s Country Representative in Sri Lanka and Maldives (1989-92), in Bangladesh (1992-97), and in the Philippines and Pacific Islands (1997-99). He also held numerous short-term assignments for the Foundation, including in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Mongolia.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. Langton served with CARE in the U.S., worked with Ugandan refugees in Southern Sudan, and was a Peace Corps volunteer, trainer, and consultant in Nepal. Mr. Langton received his B.A. in Asian Studies and Journalism from the Evergreen State College in Washington and his M.P.A. from the University of Washington.

Read more about The Asia Foundation’s projects in India. For media inquiries, please visit the Press Room.

On the heels of releasing its recommendations for the new U.S. administration – America’s Role in Asia – The Asia Foundation will co-sponsor the World Affairs Council’s 63rd Annual World Conference, “Global Priorities: Critical Choices for the Obama Administration.”  On April 2-3, 2009, in San Francisco, political leaders, policymakers, scholars, and diplomats will gather to examine, and debate these issues at this turning point in U.S. history. Asia Foundation President Doug Bereuter will moderate a session on emerging economies, China, India and sovereign wealth funds, and other Asia Foundation experts are slated to participate on additional panels. Co-sponsors receive a special discounted rate: sign up for the member price. For more information about the event, and nonmember pricing, please visit the World Affairs Council website.

The Washington Post’s Emily Wax attended The Asia Foundation’s America’s Role in Asia event in New Delhi and gauged reaction in the room about the appointment of Richard C. Holbrooke, including quotes from America’s Role in Asia South Asia Co-Chair Raja Mohan and others. Read the full story: “U.S. Removes Kashmir From Envoy’s Mandate; India Exults.”