In an exclusive dialogue, Eric Garcetti, the United States ambassador to India, expressed that the alliance between the two nations has reached unprecedented depths and expansiveness. He reiterated the U.S.’s backing of India’s ascent as a prominent global force and a critical ally in ensuring a liberated and unobstructed Indo-Pacific region.
It is of note that Ambassador Garcetti has recently completed his first year serving as the envoy to India.
Excerpts from the discussion unveil Garcetti’s sentiments: “This annum has etched itself into the annals of our nations’ bond, and India has forever engraved itself upon my heart. The connection between the United States and India now delves to unparalleled depths, and together we embark on endeavors of global significance, spanning from the oceanic abyss to the celestial expanse,” Garcetti conveyed.
The American envoy elaborated, “This narrative unfolds across myriad dimensions: the momentous official state visit of the Prime Minister to the White House; subsequent dialogues between our leaders at the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi. A transformative initiative to collaboratively manufacture aircraft engines; a flourishing trade association; and a surge in Indian scholars journeying to the United States for education, surpassing all precedent.”
“This narrative provides us with a fresh footing, a platform from which to launch our alliance to greater heights in the upcoming year. As the U.S. Ambassador, I am invigorated by our achievements thus far, yet even more enthralled by the potential we possess to advance jointly,” the American envoy to India added.
In response to queries regarding the Indo-U.S. relationship and its anticipated trajectory, Garcetti remarked, “The bond between the U.S. and India bears global ramifications of the utmost significance. We wholeheartedly endorse India’s ascent as a preeminent global entity and a pivotal ally in fostering an unfettered Indo-Pacific that is interconnected, prosperous, safeguarded, and resilient.”
“Our nations collaborate across a broad spectrum of objectives – augmenting our prosperity, safeguarding our populace, and tackling pressing global dilemmas such as climate change,” articulated the U.S. ambassador to India.
He articulated that India and the U.S. are jointly pursuing a commendable array of initiatives to propel their partnership forward. These encompass fortifying supply chains for semiconductors and other critical advanced technologies; jointly producing advanced defense components and systems; reinforcing longstanding collaboration in space by imparting NASA training to Indian astronauts and deploying joint satellites for celestial observation; Expanding collaborative research and educational endeavors between Indian and American universities to discern tomorrow’s solutions in agriculture, energy, health, and technology.
Reflecting on his tenure as an envoy in India, Garcetti shared, “Among the most gratifying aspects of the past year has been witnessing the deepening of our camaraderie as we’ve toiled hand in hand.”
“Similar to any friendship, disparities may arise on occasion. However, there exists on both ends a profound acknowledgment that our shared aspirations and dreams – the common yearnings of our populace – eclipse any divisions,” he remarked, adding, “When the United States and India synergize, our association transcends mere addition – it embodies multiplication, yielding exponential dividends for our nations and the globe.”
Addressing inquiries regarding his future plans and strategies to bolster the strategic partnership amidst evolving global dynamics, Garcetti remarked, “This juncture of global transition, from Russia’s unabated incursion into Ukraine to the conflagrations in the Middle East, underscores the profound impact regional developments can wield on the global arena. Presently, there exists no endeavor more imperative than our nations forging the bedrock for enduring peace.”
He accentuated that India stands as a pivotal ally crucial for fostering a liberated and unobstructed Indo-Pacific region. “Our nations espouse a shared vision of an Indo-Pacific that remains unfettered and accessible, evolving into a more interconnected, prosperous, safeguarded, and resilient domain,” Garcetti appended.
He underscored that both the United States and India have borne the brunt of terrorism, underscoring a shared interest in combating terrorism globally. The United States has collaborated with India in bolstering civilian law enforcement, counterterrorism efforts, maritime and border security, the rule of law, and counternarcotics endeavors.
India and the U.S., Garcetti noted, routinely convene a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to closely collaborate on an array of subjects, encompassing security, clean energy, and space. “Initiatives such as iCET, which incorporates INDUS-X, and the Strategic Trade Dialogue have engendered heightened cooperation between U.S. and Indian defense industries,” he appended.
Last week, EAM Jaishankar asserted that the upward trajectory of India-U.S. relations remains unscathed by allegations linking India to a thwarted assassination scheme.
In November, the U.S. indicted an Indian national for conspiring to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.