US envoy to India Eric Garcetti said trade has emerged as a “cornerstone” of bilateral relations (File)
New Delhi:
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti celebrated his one-year anniversary in office, reflecting on his remarkable journey and achievements during his tenure.
“I never dreamed that I would have the honor and privilege of representing my country here in India, but what a year it has been,” commented Garcetti, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
Over the past year, Garcetti has toured 22 states and union territories, fostering friendships, receiving notable gifts and savoring the diverse culinary offerings.
“From Mumbai to Kohima, I made incredible friends, received incredible gifts and, of course, enjoyed good food,” he said, highlighting the enriching experiences of his travels.
One year as US Ambassador to India! What a journey it has been – a whirlwind of diplomacy and ever-deepening friendships! From immersing ourselves in vibrant cultures to strengthening the bond between our nations, every moment was incredible. But it’s the warmth of people and our sharing… pic.twitter.com/YJWxobacCK
– US Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) May 13, 2024
Trade has emerged as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, with Garcetti noting, “It was a landmark year for trade,” emphasizing the substantial volume of trade, valued at nearly $200 billion, and efforts to reduce tariffs to promote economic growth. “There are a lot of almonds for a lot of mangoes”, joked Garcetti, showing the magnitude of trade exchanges between the two nations.
In the domain of India-US defense cooperation, Garcetti celebrated record-breaking military exercises aimed at improving peace and interoperability between the United States and India. “From the bottom of the sea to the stars, the India-US relationship is reaching new heights,” he said, highlighting collaborations in space exploration, including the joint development of a satellite scheduled to launch by the end of the year.
Environmental sustainability emerged as another focal point, with Garcetti praising concerted efforts to expand resilience and climate solutions, such as financing 10,000 new electric buses and establishing the largest solar power plant in southern India with U.S. assistance. . “We are ensuring that we follow the green path, and not just green talk,” he said, highlighting commitments to environmental management.
Addressing cooperation in health, Garcetti highlighted collaborative efforts in developing vaccines for diseases such as dengue and malaria, demonstrating the shared commitment to global health security. Furthermore, he praised efforts to speed up visa processing, significantly reducing waiting times and increasing the number of visas issued, making Indians the main source of international students.
Concluding his remarks, the US envoy expressed optimism about the future of the US-India partnership.
“If we did this in one year, I can’t wait to see what comes next,” he noted, highlighting the lasting bond between the two nations and the unlimited potential for collaboration.
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25563415/Fitbit_Ace_LTE_Lifestyle_Press_Image.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "The kid-friendly Fitbit Ace LTE is on sale just in time for the new school year")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25555597/DSCF7455.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Google’s Pixel Fold a year later: I can’t wait for the sequel")
