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People-to-people ties fuel the U.S. India relationship: US Envoy Eric Garcetti
The interview, conducted at the American Center in New Delhi following a panel discussion titled "The Indian Diaspora Defining Success in the United States," delved into the role of the diaspora and the significance of cultural exchanges.
Eric Garcetti, Meenakshi Ahamed and Milan Vaishnav at the American Center. / Pranavi Sharma
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties in fostering the enduring partnership between India and the United States. From expanding educational exchanges to celebrating cultural diplomacy, Garcetti described the bilateral relationship as rooted in shared values and propelled by mutual strengths.
Speaking to New India Abroad at the American Center in New Delhi following a panel discussion titled "The Indian Diaspora Defining Success in the United States," Garcetti commented on the Indian diaspora’s ability to smooth bilateral relations during politically challenging times.
Dismissing the notion of "ruffled feathers" between the two nations, the Ambassador said, “Sometimes people overly focus on just what a spokesperson on one side of the Indo-Pacific is saying before another, when really this is about the people-to-people ties that have been the fuel behind the motion in this relationship.”
Speaking about connections spanning education, culture, trade, and investment, Garcetti noted, “Indian prime ministers and American presidents reflect the closeness of our people-to-people ties... This consequential, occasionally challenging, but mostly compelling relationship between India and the United States doesn’t need to ruffle feathers; it can accelerate progress.”
“A deep relationship always has differences and challenges,” he remarked. “But we sometimes focus so much on the small differences or the momentary disagreements that people miss the main story... I am confident in my lifetime this relationship will never go backwards. It continues to go forward.”
Strengthening ties through education and collaboration
Discussing grassroots initiatives such as student exchanges and tech collaborations, Garcetti highlighted the transformational role of Indian students in the United States.
“We have a record number of Indian students… More than one in four international students approved last year came from India. Each one is a narrative, a seed planted,” he said. “Whether they return to India or stay in the US, they become future CEOs, doctors, researchers, and change-makers who enrich both nations.”
Garcetti also pointed to increasing Indian investment in the US, noting its impact on reviving industries and advancing renewable energy. “Indian companies were the number one delegation running to the SelectUSA conference... Over a billion dollars in deals came from Indian companies investing in the US, creating American jobs.”
He envisioned a growing two-way bridge of collaboration, with more American students coming to India, further cementing the Indo-Pacific partnership.
The role of culture in diplomacy
Reflecting on how his time in India has shaped his diplomatic approach, Garcetti acknowledged the influence of Indian culture. “India is a country of great patience, whereas in America, people try to get things done quickly. Indians negotiate and are iterative, viewing history as a cycle rather than a straight line,” he noted.
Garcetti stressed that cultural exchanges carry equal weight to economic and defense ties. “If our people aren’t close, our leaders can’t be close… The focus on people is the foundation of diplomacy and of country-to-country relationships.” He championed the idea of “endless bridges” connecting people from both nations to foster mutual understanding.
Diversity and shared values: Pillars of the partnership
Addressing concerns over immigration policies and identity politics, Garcetti underlined the resilience of the India-US relationship. “This relationship is stronger than any one prime minister or president,” he said.
While acknowledging the complexities of identity politics, he celebrated cultural diversity as a strength.
“What we should be able to do is have values that we hold of respecting those differences, embracing them, and finding common ground... The US doesn’t need India, and India doesn’t need the US But together, we are stronger, richer, and can help the world collectively.”
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