U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated Indian-American Richard Verma as the country's ambassador to New Delhi in a move aimed at bridging gaps and strengthening bilateral partnership.

White House officials made the announcement ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 29, which is aimed at renewing both countries' ties.

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In 2010, Obama said relations between the two would be one of the 21^st century's defining partnerships but no significant evidence of such has been seen since then.

According to Reuters, Washington considers New Delhi as a natural ally and a potential force to counter China's growing assertiveness in Asia. As such, the U.S. hopes to increase its involvement across the board specifically with regard to security measures.

Analysts say the new ambassador to India should be a "heavy-hitter" with close links to Obama to signify Washington's sincerity in reaching a strategic partnership with New Delhi. However, some are skeptical whether Indian-American Verma will be the best choice for the position.

Verma's relationship to Obama dates back to 2008 when he worked on the latter's debate preparations for a presidential bid. The following year, he worked as a legislative affairs assistant secretary of state at the State Department until 2011.

At present, Verma is working as a senior counselor with law firm Steptoe & Johnson and management consultancy firm Albright Stonebridge Group, a company led by previous U.S. State Secretary Madeleine Albright.

Verma stands to replace Nancy Powell who resigned from her post last March following a controversial dispute over the treatment of Devyani Khobradage. The latter is a junior Indian attaché who was detained and strip-searched by New York officials last year for alleged visa fraud and underpayment of a domestic worker.

The Khobradage incident has only served to escalate tensions between the U.S. and India.

Verma's appointment will not be confirmed until mid-November when lawmakers are expected to reconvene after the congressional elections.

TagsRichard Verma, Barack Obama, US-India relations, Steptoe & Johnson, Albright Stonebridge Group, Nancy Powell, Devyani Khobradage