US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed optimism about India’s role in the global renewable energy revolution, predicting the country will serve as the “shop floor” for the world in this sector over the next three decades.
Speaking at the South Asia Women in Energy Leadership Summit organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), Garcetti lauded India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, noting its leadership in solar and wind energy.
“India’s bold policies and targets are positioning it not only to meet domestic energy demands but also to become the global manufacturer of affordable solar panels, electrolyzers, and critical batteries,” Garcetti said. “Mark my words: in the next 30 years, India will be the shop floor for the renewable energy revolution.”
The outgoing envoy, who is set to leave office ahead of the January 20 inauguration of President Donald Trump’s second term, highlighted the strong partnership between the US and India in tackling climate challenges. He emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond government efforts, depending heavily on community-level engagement.
“India is pouring more resources into renewable energy than nearly any other country on earth, but the success of these initiatives will ultimately come down to the work we do at the community level,” Garcetti said.
Drawing a metaphor from an experience in Kerala, Garcetti likened the India-US relationship to the resilience of a palm tree. “The strongest storm cannot knock it down, and the biggest wind cannot take it away. It will continue to grow, benefiting not just itself but the world,” he said, referring to the enduring partnership between the two democracies.
Honored to join the SAWIE Leadership Summit, celebrating women leading the clean energy transition. Together, the U.S.-India climate partnership is advancing equity, innovation, and sustainability—moving forward for our planet. #USIndiaFWD pic.twitter.com/Tl1DmZ1T8P
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) December 16, 2024
Garcetti, who has structured his speeches on India-US relations around the themes of peace, prosperity, planet, and people, focused his address on the shared mission to protect the planet. He highlighted initiatives like the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) and reassured the audience that the US would remain a steadfast partner in clean energy efforts, regardless of the political administration in Washington.
“America is committed to this partnership. We’ve already shown this with billions of dollars of green investments flowing into solar and wind projects, electric vehicle production, and energy storage solutions,” Garcetti said, addressing apprehensions about the Trump administration’s focus on climate change.
In his remarks, Garcetti underscored the inherent strength of democracy in tackling global challenges, contrasting it with autocratic systems like China’s. While recounting a conversation with a Chinese mayor about large-scale tree planting, Garcetti emphasized the value of engaging people in democracies like India and the US. “In democracies, you can engage people, listen to their solutions, and work together to find the best way forward,” he noted.
The summit also celebrated the intersection of women’s empowerment and energy leadership, with Garcetti commending the contributions of Indian leaders and the broader role of women in addressing climate challenges. “This event inspires me because it merges two cornerstones of my public service—empowering women and confronting the climate crisis,” he said.
As Garcetti prepares to conclude his tenure, he reflected on the US-India relationship as one deeply rooted in shared values and common goals. “This partnership is like planting a coconut tree—it takes time, patience, and resilience, but the benefits are lasting and far-reaching,” he said.
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