NEW DELHI, Sept. 19 -- Just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S., President Barack Obama has named an Indian-origin American, Richard Rahul Verma, as that country's next ambassador in New Delhi.

However, Verma's nomination, announced by President Obama late Thursday night, has to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The 45-year-old close confidante of the U.S. President had earlier served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, but is currently in the private sector, working as senior counselor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and Albright Stonebridge Group.

The U.S. Embassy does not currently have an ambassador and is headed by a Charge d'affaires, Kathleen Stephens.