Rethinking U.S. Engagement in India: Kashmir and Beyond

The Obama administration has ushered in a new era for India-US relations. India and the United States must enter into a sustained dialogue and focus on their many common interests. Whereas previous administrations have failed to facilitate meaningful discussion on India and Pakistan, Obama's administration has a fresh opportunity to play a more active role in entering into a dialogue with India about diffusing the conflict in Kashmir. The Ambassadors will engage the audience in a discussion on the challenges facing the new administration and strategies for success.

Howard Schaffer spent much of his 36-year career dealing with US relations with South Asia. He served as ambassador to Bangladesh (1984-87), political counselor at American embassies in India (1977-79) and Pakistan (1974-77), and was twice deputy assistant secretary of state responsible for South Asian affairs. His earlier assignments included positions as director of the Office of Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan Affairs and postings to New Delhi, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur. He retired from the Foreign Service in 1991 and joined the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy soon afterwards as Deputy Director and Director of Studies. In 2009 he was given the position of Senior Counselor of the Institute.

Teresita Schaffer joined the Center for Strategic and International Studies in August 1998 after a 30-year career in the United States Foreign Service. From 1989 to 1992, she served as deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia, at that time the senior South Asia position in the department; from 1992 to 1995, she was the U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka; and from 1995 to 1997, she served as director of the Foreign Service Institute. Her earlier posts included Tel Aviv, Islamabad, New Delhi, and Dhaka, as well as a tour as director of the Office of International Trade in the State Department.