Senate confirms Rajiv Shah's nomination as US aid agency chief

The United States Senate has approved the nomination of Rajiv Shah to head the US Agency for International Development (USAID), making him the highest ranking Indian-American in the administration.

Before going on Christmas vacation, the US Senate yesterday unanimously confirmed the nomination of Rajiv Shah, along with nearly three dozen nominations of the Obama administration. 

Shah, 36, is the highest ranking Indian American of the Obama administration.

The confirmation has put Shah in charge of the $20 billion aid agency of the United States, which is poised to play a key role in the new foreign policy of the Obama administration which has made development a key tool.

Shah would report directly to the secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

Shah was the under-secretary for research, education and economics and chief scientist at the US department of agriculture before being tapped by Obama for his new appointment.

"Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal," said Obama in a statement announcing his decision in November.

Shah manages the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the US department of agriculture.