Veep Kamala Harris Swears In Eric Garcetti As Envoy To India

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC- Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on March 24, was officially sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Garcetti was confirmed as the next US Ambassador earlier this month, ending a logjam that had left an important American mission abroad without a regular envoy for almost two years.

The ceremonial swearing-in was attended by Garcetti’s close family members, including his wife Amy Wakeland, daughter Maya who held the Hebrew Bible.father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti, and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland.

When asked about his new diplomatic assignment, Garcetti, 52, said: “I cannot wait to serve.”

Asked when he was likely to land in New Delhi, Garcetti told the media, “Hopefully as soon as I can.”

After the ceremony, also attended by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Harris tweeted, “Today, I had the honor of swearing in my fellow Californian, Eric Garcetti, to be our next Ambassador to India. Ambassador Garcetti is a committed public servant and will play a critical role in strengthening our partnership with the people of India.”

The last US envoy in New Delhi was Kenneth Juster, who stepped down after Donald Trump lost the elections.

While in Washington, Garcetti also met with Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Congratulating Garcetti, Sandhu said, “As he prepares to depart for India, we discussed some immediate priorities in deepening the bilateral partnership, in line with our Leaders’ vision.”