Indian-American takes over as Obama's point person for South, Central Asia

“We are invested in that region's prosperity for the long haul and in naming Nisha Biswal as the Assistant Secretary today, we show the strength of that commitment,” he said.


Mr. Kerry said Ms. Biswal's colleagues say that she is somebody who speaks softly and carries a big stick.

“The truth is she doesn't need to speak too loudly about so many of America's strengths because whether it's women's rights or human rights or a belief in the power of education and equal opportunity, Nisha has lived every single one of those lessons,” he said.

“She leads every single day with those lessons in mind. She takes charge of our efforts now in one of the most complex, dynamic regions of the world,” he said.