Exclusive: Eric Garcetti On How U.S. Sees India As Crucial Trade Partner And More

As the world watches the historic transition of power in the United States, India Today Global had the opportunity to sit down with U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, for an exclusive interview. Ambassador Garcetti shared insights on U.S.-India relations, President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, and the implications of Prime Minister Modi’s absence from Trump’s inauguration. Reflecting on his tenure in India, Ambassador Garcetti remarked: “It has been the most extraordinary run of my life. I've gone to 27 states, 6 union territories. I've gone from Ladakh to Kanyakumari, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the jungles of Nagaland. Just how extraordinary this country is.” He highlighted the progress made under his leadership: "I've also worked for a President who is just the most pro-India President in US history, who told me when he asked me to take the job that India is the most important country in the world to me. And he has worked with the most pro-America Prime Minister in India's history. Their predecessors were pretty strong too." From education to strategic initiatives, Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the comprehensive scope of U.S.-India collaboration: “When I look at what we have done it is from the seabed to the stars - strategic work, education work. We have broken records like visas, record workers here, new consulates in Hyderabad and a new site that we are opening up in Bengaluru.” Watch this interview to know more.