Discovering India: U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program for India

The U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program for India sponsored by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi (NDPAS) was designed to connect U.S. experts with Indian audiences and institutions; to promote an understanding of U.S. strategic priorities, policies and institutions; and to discuss the political, economic, social, and cultural context from which they arise. The program sent American experts to India to engage with audiences through lectures, workshops, and seminars; through appearances in foreign media; and in a consultancy capacity.

The program started during the last quarter of 2013 and was implemented through December 2016 offering an opportunity to U.S. experts and specialists to travel individually to India on a professional assignment. Selected experts/participants traveled to India for a 10-day to three week long professional program designed by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi in cooperation with Meridian and other in-country U.S. Consulates.

The program allowed the participating speakers to engage with a broad spectrum of audience and organizations on topics such as Intellectual Property Rights; Alternative Energy; China – India – U.S. Relations; Climate Change; Counter Terrorism; Cyber Security; Energy Security; Immigration; and Trade and Business.

Gary LaFree (left): Director, START Center, University of Maryland

Council on Foreign Relations Sr. Fellow Edward Alden visits the U.S. Consulate Mumbai.

Michael Schlesinger (left), Of Counsel with Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp and expert on intellectual property rights

President and CEO of Internet Security Alliance Larry Clinton speaks on cyber security.

Project News

• Meridian's blog The Lead summarizes the issues covered during the India Speaker Series.
• Blog post details Michael Schlesinger's experience in India, explaining the importance of intellectual property in the Bollywood film industry.

Staff

Amanda Pleasant

Indigo Stegner

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