Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu Embarks on South Asia Tour to Strengthen Regional Ties

Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, is set to visit India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal from December 3 to December 10. The visit aims to bolster partnerships in South Asia to promote regional prosperity, security, and collaboration on global challenges.

Strengthening U.S.-India Relations

In New Delhi, Assistant Secretary Lu will engage in high-level discussions to enhance U.S.-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and other areas of shared interest. He will join Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to co-lead the U.S. delegation at the U.S.-India East Asia Consultations. These dialogues with Indian officials will address pressing global and regional issues, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Focus on Governance and Economic Reforms in Sri Lanka

On December 5, Lu will visit Colombo, Sri Lanka, accompanied by USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur and Department of the Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth. The delegation will meet senior officials from Sri Lanka’s new administration and representatives from civil society to discuss U.S.-Sri Lanka cooperation in promoting sustainable economic growth, combating corruption, and fostering people-to-people connections.

Discussions will explore avenues for tailored technical assistance and development programs to support Sri Lanka’s governance and economic reform initiatives, aligned with its efforts to enhance transparency and accountability.

Engagement in Nepal: Environmental and Cultural Focus

Assistant Secretary Lu will conclude his tour in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he will meet with senior leaders to strengthen collaboration on environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. He is also scheduled to engage with youth leaders to discuss their aspirations for the future of U.S.-Nepal relations.

Highlighting Nepal’s cultural heritage, the visit will emphasize the importance of preservation as a driver of tourism and economic growth.

This multi-nation visit underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering stronger ties with South Asian partners to address shared challenges and leverage opportunities for regional and global stability.