INDIA
Eric Garcetti, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to India, arrived in New Delhi on April 16th, 2023. He was welcomed by Indian officials and diplomats at the airport, marking the start of his tenure as the US envoy to one of the most important countries in the world.
Garcetti, who is the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles and a former Naval Intelligence Officer, was nominated by President Joe Biden to the position in January 2023. His appointment was confirmed by the US Senate on April 13th, 2023, and he was sworn in by Secretary of State Antony Blinken before departing for India.
During his confirmation hearing, Garcetti emphasized the importance of the US-India relationship and expressed his commitment to further strengthening it. He highlighted the need for cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and climate change, stating that India and the US have a shared responsibility to address global challenges.
Upon his arrival in New Delhi, Garcetti tweeted, “Honored to arrive in India as the next US Ambassador. I look forward to working closely with Indian officials and building upon the strong ties between our two nations.”
Garcetti’s arrival in India comes at a time when the US-India relationship is at a critical juncture. The two countries have been working closely on a range of issues, including defense cooperation, trade, and technology.
Garcetti’s appointment is significant, as he is the first person of Mexican-American descent to serve as the US Ambassador to India. He brings to the position a wealth of experience in urban governance, having served as the Mayor of Los Angeles for eight years. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as sustainability, infrastructure, and public safety, and implemented several initiatives to improve the quality of life for the city’s residents.
In addition to his background in urban governance, Garcetti is also an expert on national security and foreign policy. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve and worked as an intelligence officer at the Pentagon. He also served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council under President Barack Obama and was a member of the US Conference of Mayors’ Foreign Policy Committee.
Garcetti’s arrival in India has been welcomed by both Indian and American officials. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said in a statement, “We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Garcetti to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership.” US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a briefing, “We are confident that Ambassador Garcetti will build on the strong foundation of US-India relations.”
During his time in India, Garcetti is expected to meet with Indian officials and leaders from various sectors, including business, government, and civil society. He will also travel to other parts of the country to gain a better understanding of India’s diverse culture and economy.
Overall, Garcetti’s arrival in India is a significant development in the US-India relationship. His appointment signals the importance that the Biden administration places on the relationship and its commitment to further strengthening it. With his wealth of experience in urban governance, national security, and foreign policy, Garcetti is well-positioned to serve as an effective envoy and promote US interests in India.
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