As U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti approaches the end of his tenure in India, he delivered a significant policy address at the Taj Colaba in Mumbai on January 9. The former mayor of Los Angeles characterized his experience in India as “the most extraordinary” of his life, expressing the profound influence the country has had on him. During a discussion with select media representatives, he remarked, “India captured my heart,” and emphasized the “endless possibilities” inherent in the U.S.-India relationship, which he described as “the defining relationship” for global peace and security. In his address, Garcetti referenced President Joe Biden’s assertion of India’s critical role to the United States, stating, “President Joe Biden has said India is the most important country in the world to him. If you want to work on the future, you need to come to India. No U.S. president has ever said this before.” This statement underscores the strengthening strategic ties between the two nations. He also addressed trade relations, advocating for more equitable practices by highlighting the U.S. trade deficit with India and the elevated tariffs on goods.
“We need to reduce tariffs so we can manufacture semiconductors, telecommunication equipment, and defense equipment together,” he asserted, aligning his vision with closer economic collaboration. Garcetti’s remarks also touched upon the advancing defense partnership between the U.S. and India, which he delivered alongside Rear Admiral Christopher Cavanaugh. He emphasized their mutual commitment to protecting international borders and fostering a global rules-based order. “The U.S.-India relationship is not only ‘a’ defining but ‘the’ defining relationship. Knowing how to wage conflict together is the greatest deterrent to any of our common threats,” he articulated. As his term comes to a close, Garcetti commended India’s emergence as a global leader, stating, “We love to see India’s growth. It’s a strong, proud India the modern world has never seen,” reflecting on the transformative nature of the bilateral partnership.
