Shanahan has been acting secretary of defense since December, when Mattis quit protesting Trump’s decision to withdraw troops completely from Syria. Critics have said he is unlikely to steer president away from his instinct-driven decisions as did Mattis. Also read:India may adopt new payment formula to avoid US sanctionsFor India, Shanahan remains an untested entity. “Based upon his outstanding service to the country and his demonstrated ability to lead, President Trump intends to nominate Patrick M. Shanahan to be the Secretary of Defense,” White house press secretary Sarah Sander Huckabee said in a statement. Unlike his predecessor Mattis, who was a celebrated Marine Corps general, Shanahan is a civilian with no prior military or foreign policy experience.

Source: Hindustan Times May 10, 2019 04:07 UTC