'Lots Of Paperwork And Desi Kadak Chai': Garcetti’s 'Year In Review' On Completing 1 Year As US Envoy To India
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti marked his one-year anniversary by highlighting significant achievements, including increased trade, defense cooperation, and space exploration.
United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti marked his one-year anniversary as the US Ambassador to India with reflections on the journey, highlighting significant achievements and milestones in a video posted on social media platform X. The Ambassador's remarks encapsulated a year marked by diplomacy, deepening ties, and cultural immersion.
In his 'Year in Review' video, Ambassador Garcetti expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country in India, a role he described as an honor and privilege. He reminisced about the whirlwind of activities, from delving into diverse cultures to forging stronger bonds between the two nations.
Reflecting on the year's accomplishments, Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the significant progress made in bilateral trade, with tariffs reduced and trade volume reaching nearly $200 billion between the United States and India. He quipped about the abundance of paperwork, agreements, and the enjoyment of 'Kadak Masala Tea' throughout his diplomatic journey in India so far.
"I never dreamed I'd have the honor and privilege of representing my country here in India. But what a year it's been! Arguably over the last 76 years, maybe 2023 was the most productive year in our entire history with lots of agreements, lots of paperwork, lots of kadak chai, and lots of accomplishments. Over the last 12 months, I've visited over 22 states and union territories from Wagah to Kanyakumari, or from Mumbai to Kohima where I picked up amazing friends and got some incredible gifts and of course, ate from great food," he remarked.
One year as U.S. Ambassador to India! What a ride it's been - a whirlwind of diplomacy and deepening friendships! From diving into vibrant cultures to strengthening the bond between our nations, every moment has been incredible. But it's the warmth of the people and our shared… pic.twitter.com/YJWxobacCK
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) May 13, 2024
Garcetti Says 'UPI Gazab Hai', Highlights India-US Cooperation In Defence, Space, Climate Solutions
"And it was a banner year for trade We reduced tariffs and had nearly $200 billion dollars of trade between the United States and India," he further highlighted. Highlighting India's UPI payments system, Garcetti said, "UPI gazab hai".
He underscored the robust defence cooperation between the two countries, citing a record number of military exercises conducted in the past year to promote peace and enhance interoperability.
Space cooperation emerged as another highlight, with Ambassador Garcetti spotlighting the collaboration on the NISAR satellite project, a joint venture between NASA and ISRO. He expressed optimism about the satellite's launch later in the year, symbolising the shared commitment to space exploration and innovation.
"From the seabed to the stars, the United States - India relationship is reaching new heights, including all the way to space where this past year we made huge strides in NISAR, the first satellite that NASA and ISRO are making together. It will blastoff later this year so that, you know, young babies like Teigen here will enjoy a future in which, sure, he is crying now, but will be happy one day when we put him in space," he said.
Ambassador Garcetti reiterated the commitment to environmental sustainability, citing initiatives such as the financing of 10,000 new electric buses and support for the largest solar manufacturing plant in southern India. The partnership in healthcare, particularly in vaccine research for diseases like dengue and malaria, was also commended.
"And, you know, we're doing our part right here, whether it's expanding climate resilience, or climate solutions through 10,000 new electric buses we're helping finance, or whether it is the largest solar manufacturing plant ever put in southern India, with U.S. help, we're making sure we walk the green walk, not just the green talk."
ALSO READ | 'We Care About Their Well-Being': Ambassador Eric Garcetti Says 'Indian Students Safe In US'
Indians Number One Source Of Students For US: Ambassador Eric Garcetti
Visa reforms were lauded as a significant achievement, with wait times reduced by 75% and a 60% increase in visa issuance, according to the US envoy. "We reduced wait time by 75%, increased the number of visas by 60%, and made Indians the number one source of students from anywhere in the world, resulting in 1.4 million visas processed last year," he said.
The Ambassador expressed delight in embracing cricket and reiterated its inclusion as an Olympic sport in the United States, scheduled for the L.A. 28 games.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Garcetti expressed optimism about the future of US-India relations, describing the past year as laying a new foundation for deeper collaboration and friendship. He concluded his message with a reference to the recent keyboard trend and remarked, "You know, what's between U and I on the keyboard, Nothing. When it comes to the United States and India, there's nothing holding us back."
Trending News
Top Headlines
