Washington [US], March 16 (ANI): The Senate on Wednesday (Local Time) confirmed the former mayor of Los Angeles, Eris Garcetti, to be the US ambassador to India and ending the two-year wait. Garcetti won the mandate by a vote of 52 to 42, a major victory for US President Joe Biden as well, who stuck by his political ally in the face of the allegations and the prolonged process that has left the world’s most populous democracies without US representatives.
After the result, Garcetti said in a statement, “I’m thrilled with today’s outcome, which was a decisive and bipartisan decision to fill a critical post that has been vacant for far too long. Now the hard work begins.” “I’m deeply grateful to President Biden and the White House for the confidence and support throughout this process, and to all Senators on both sides of the aisle – whether they voted for me or not – for their thoughtful consideration. I’m ready and eager to begin my service representing our critical interests in India,” he added.
Earlier, the Senate voted 52-42 giving the advantage to the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination that caps off months of limbo for Garcetti. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also voted in favour of the former Los Angeles Mayor to become the ambassador of India. The panel approved the nomination by a vote of 13-8, with Republican Senators Todd Young and Bill Hagerty joining all of the committee’s Democrats in voting in favour of Garcetti.
US President Joe Biden first nominated Garcetti to become ambassador to India in July 2021, and the Foreign Relations Committee initially signed off on him in January 2022. But his nomination has been in limbo for a year following allegations that Garcetti knew about sexual misconduct that one of his former top advisers committed and did not take any action to stop it, reported The Hill.
Senator Chuck Grassley released a report on the situation in May, concluding that Garcetti was likely aware of the allegations that his former chief of staff, Rick Jacobs, sexually harassed a Los Angeles police officer. Grassley’s office said in a release that the investigation’s findings contradict what Garcetti testified at a nomination hearing before the committee.
Garcetti said at the time that in response to the report, he “strongly” disagreed with its findings and expressed optimism about being confirmed by the full Senate, reported The Hill. A report that the city of Los Angeles commissioned had previously found that Garcetti had not engaged in any improper conduct in relation to the allegations against Jacobs.
Garcetti never received a full vote of the Senate before the end of the congressional session in January, and Biden renominated him immediately at the start of the current session, reported Fox News. (ANI)
USISPF, USIBC congratulate Eric Garcetti on becoming US envoy to India
Washington [US], March 16 (ANI): The United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum and US–India Business Council congratulated the former mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti on his confirmation as the next envoy to India. In the statement, USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said Garcetti, who had led Los Angeles, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, would understand that working with all stakeholders will be essential in moving forward the most significant relationship of the 21st century, the US–India partnership.
The statement came after the US Senate confirmed Garcetti to be the US ambassador to India with a vote of 52 to 42. “Eric has a deep understanding and affection towards India and the Indian people, and I have no doubt he will hit the ground running when he lands in Delhi. Eric brings the humility of a great leader who is constantly looking to improve and make a difference. He is also a big-picture guy!” the statement read.
“We want to thank Senator Major Leader, Senator Schumer, for bringing this critical vote to the Senate floor. The US and India partnership is a bipartisan priority. We have much to accomplish in 2023 and beyond, starting with the Quad Summit, a potential State visit, and a list of G-20 activities. USISPF is proud to support Ambassador Garcetti in his new role and wishes him all the success,” the statement added.
“The U.S. India Business Council is pleased that the Senate has confirmed Eric Garcetti as the U.S. Ambassador to India. As the world’s largest democracy and fastest growing large economy, India is an essential partner to the United States as it seeks to bolster its strategic, technological, and economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific,” said Ambassador Atul Keshap, President of USIBC.
“I wish Ambassador Garcetti a successful posting in New Delhi. Having a U.S. Ambassador to India is critical as both great democracies work to build their Quad partnership and high-trust ecosystem, underpinned by shared democratic values,” he added.
Alexander Slater, USIBC’s Managing Director and head of its New Delhi Office, also welcomed Ambassador Garcetti. He said that the USIBC supports the appointment of a US Ambassador to India and knows that Ambassador Garcetti brings significant leadership experience to the position.
USIBC looks forward to continuing our close engagement with the US Embassy under his guidance, especially on key drivers of the bilateral relationship such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies,” he said. “Eric Garcetti‘s appointment as Ambassador sends an important signal to the Government and people of India as well as industry in both countries about the importance President Biden places on the U.S.-India relationship. USIBC will work collaboratively with him and the Government of India to strengthen bilateral strategic and economic ties and promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shreerupa Mitra, USIBC’s Deputy Managing Director, highlighted that this confirmation comes at a key time for US–India relations, with India taking up the G20 presidency for the first time this year. “As a vital source of high-skilled talent and a rising hub for high-value manufacturing, India has a global role to play in fortifying supply chains and achieving sustainable development goals. The confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the U.S. Ambassador to India will add necessary focus and energy behind these efforts, ultimately helping both our countries achieve critical goals in decarbonization, human development, and economic resilience.” On behalf of USIBC, Mitra added that the Council is grateful for the strong stewardship shown to date by Ambassador Beth Jones as Charge d’Affaires
US President Joe Biden first nominated Garcetti to become ambassador to India in July 2021, and the Foreign Relations Committee initially signed off on him in January 2022.
But his nomination has been in limbo for a year following allegations that Garcetti knew about sexual misconduct that one of his former top advisers committed and did not take any action to stop it, reported The Hill. (ANI)
