Washington: Indian American Karan K Bhatia has joined as a new Assistant Secretary in the US Department of Transportation.

He will oversee international aviation, international transportation and trade issues, airline economics and related matters. His appointment to the post was confirmed by the Senate on December 9, 2003.

US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta welcomed Bhatia to the department and said, "Karan's experience in Government, international affairs and aviation will be a great asset in his new position.

"I especially look forward to working with him as we move forward on liberalising international aviation and continuing to ensure America's leadership on aviation, transportation and trade issues at home and around the world."

Bhatia has served the US Government earlier as Deputy Undersecretary for Industry and Security in the Commerce Department since 2002 and as chief counsel for Export Administration in the same department since July 2001.

Before joining the Government, Bhatia was a partner in an international law firm.

Bhatia received a Bachelors degree from Princeton, a Masters from the London School of Economics and a law degree from Columbia University. He was an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Centre.

Bhatia is married and has two children.

PTI