Emotional Eric Garcetti: Time In India Was The Most Extraordinary Of My Life

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – As U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s term in India nears its conclusion, the former Los Angeles mayor delivered a poignant policy address at the Taj Colaba in Mumbai on January 9. Eric Garcetti, who described his time in India as “the most extraordinary” period of his life, shared how the country had deeply impacted him. “India captured my heart,” he said, during an interaction with select media representatives. He lauded the “endless possibilities” in the U.S.-India relationship, calling it “the defining relationship” for global peace and security.

Quoting President Joe Biden, Eric Garcetti emphasized India’s unparalleled importance to the United States. “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,” Garcetti remarked, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two nations.

Addressing trade relations, Eric Garcetti advocated for fairer practices, pointing out the U.S. trade deficit with India and the high tariffs on goods. “We need to reduce tariffs so we can manufacture semiconductors, telecommunication equipment, and defense equipment together,” he said, aligning with his vision of closer economic collaboration.

Garcetti’s speech also focused on the evolving defense partnership between the U.S. and India, delivered alongside Rear Admiral Christopher Cavanaugh. He underscored the shared commitment to safeguarding international borders and promoting 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 stated.

As his tenure concludes, Eric Garcetti praised India’s global leadership. “We love to see India’s growth. It’s a strong, proud India the modern world has never seen,” he said, reflecting on the transformative bilateral partnership.

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