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US Ambassador Eric Garcetti says farewell to India
"The U.S.-India relationship is not only ‘a’ defining, but ‘the’ defining relationship,” said the envoy during a visit to Mumbai.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti in Mumbai. / X
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti delivered a key policy address at the Taj Colaba in Mumbai on Jan. 9, emphasizing the significance of the U.S.-India defense partnership in fostering global peace and security.
His speech, delivered alongside Rear Admiral Christopher Cavanaugh, marked the third of four major policy addresses as his tenure in India nears its conclusion.
During an interaction with select media representatives, Garcetti described his time in India as "the most extraordinary" and shared his deep admiration for the country. "India captured my heart," he said, emphasizing the endless possibilities in the U.S.-India relationship.
In a post on X, Garcetti expressed his appreciation for returning to Mumbai, stating, "It’s good to be back in Mumbai. I was honored to highlight our shared security partnership toward peace alongside Rear Admiral Cavanaugh. The #USIndiaDefense partnership is one of the most consequential in the world, fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."
It’s good to be back in Mumbai. I was honored to highlight our shared security partnership toward peace alongside Rear Admiral Cavanaugh. The #USIndiaDefense partnership is one of the most consequential in the world, fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.… pic.twitter.com/34TveDm2hd
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) January 9, 2025
Speaking on the topic of peace and the evolving defense collaboration between the U.S. and India, Garcetti said, "The U.S.-India relationship is not only ‘a’ defining, but ‘the’ defining relationship. I think all of us know that building peace is really about being able to deter war, to make sure it doesn't occur. And the greatest threat that we all face is those who would define the rules of the road based on just their raw power."
He further highlighted the importance of safeguarding international borders and upholding global rules-based order, stating, "Whether it's the South China Sea, here in the Indian Ocean, or the Red Sea, I think the U.S. and India are together knowing that borders should be sacred, they should be sacrosanct, that rules are the only way to keep the peace, even if we need to amend them from time to time, and that knowing how to wage conflict together is the greatest deterrent to any of our common threats."
Reflecting on the strategic importance of the bilateral ties, he quoted President Joe Biden's vision, stating, "President Joe Biden had said India was the most important country in the world to him and if you want to work on the future, you need to come to India. No U.S. president has ever said this."
Garcetti praised India's global role, noting, "We are resilient and desirous of being closer. I welcome India's role in the world - be it for peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict or patrolling the Indian Ocean. We love to see India's growth. It's a strong, proud India the modern world has never seen."
On Indo-U.S. trade relations, Garcetti called for fairer trade practices, stating, "We have a trade deficit with India. Tariffs are high. I share President-elect Donald Trump's view that tariffs are high. We need to reduce tariffs so that we can manufacture semiconductors, telecommunication equipment, and defense equipment together."
When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential invitation to President-elect Trump's upcoming swearing-in ceremony, Garcetti highlighted the close rapport between the two leaders. "Modi and Trump were very close. I look forward to when they meet in Washington together directly and later in India when the QUAD is hosted here. It is not about invitations to a crowded swearing-in, but one-on-one conversations that we will have and define the next chapter in our relations," he concluded.
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