Trump picks Haley as US envoy to UN

Washington, November 23

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Nikki Haley (44), born Nimrata "Nikki" Randhawa, was today picked by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations. She will be the first Indian-American to be appointed to the Cabinet-level post in the US Administration, a CNN report, citing a sources, said.

The move comes as Trump advisers are seeking to diversify his ranks, The Washington Post reported.

Trump's plan to offer the job to Haley, a rising Republican star, was first reported by Post and Courier.

Haley has already carved out a legacy for herself, serving as first woman and first minority Governor of her South Carolina.

Haley, who is serving her second term, has worked on trade and labour issues as Governor but brings little foreign policy experience. Her views on various US military and national security matters usually fall within the Republican Party's hawkish mainstream.

Trump met Haley last week at Trump Tower in New York. She would replace Samantha Power.

She would also be the first-ever Indian-American Cabinet-rank official in any Administration. The Cabinet position would require confirmation by the Senate. Haley was critical of Trump during the primary campaign and had backed Senator Marco Rubio in the Republican primary.

However, before the General Election, she switched her position, declaring she would vote for Trump. PTI