(Image source from: Khobragade case fallout: US ambassador to India resigns})

United States ambassador to India Nancy Powell resigned on Monday. Reports of Powell's resignation was posted on the US embassy website on Monday night. The move is seen as a measure to bring back the Indo-US relationship on track.

According to the US embassy website, Nancy Powell's retirement was being considered for some time. She submitted her resignation to US President Barrack Obama and before the end of May she will leave for her home in Delaware.

Both Indian and US officials have been privately critical of Powell for not being able to prevent the Devyani Khobragade affair. The US ambassador was also blamed for not being more pro-active in getting the visa ban lifted against Narendra Modi, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

However, Powell's supporters have argued that the relationship being handled by her was in trouble in part due to the indifference of Barack Obama's White House and also because of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's incapacity, reported Hindustan Times.

But, Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade's arrest was the primary reason for Powell's resignation. She was seen as having failed to assess and report to the US administration about the Khobragade crisis fallout in Indo-US relationship.

As early as February, diplomatic sources reported that Powell was to be moved out of Delhi. This seemed to be the best political option for the Obama administration as Powell, who is a career diplomat, was anyway to retire soon.

State department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf, however, has dispelled the rumours that she was forced to retire, and said that it's what was already planned long time back as a career diplomat.

(Picture Source: news.worldsnap.com)

(AW: Pratima Tigga)