Nominated for the next US ambassador to India, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Michael Garcetti has said that India is located in a “tough neighbourhood”. He further said that if his name is confirmed, he will further US' efforts to strengthen India's capabilities.
During his confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to India, Garcetti said, "India is situated in a tough neighbourhood. If my name is confirmed, I will further advance US efforts to defend its borders and sovereignty and strengthen India's ability to deter aggression."
Defence partnership to be enhanced
Garcetti said he would make efforts "through information sharing, counterterrorism coordination, joint freedom of navigation patrols and military exercises (which I have participated in as a naval officer with my Indian counterparts) and the sales of our best defence technologies in order to realize the full potential of our major defence partnership."
"As a member of Quad, alongside US-Japan-Australia, India is playing a greater role in helping maintain free & open Indo-Pacific. In Sept, Biden administration hosted 1st-ever in-person Quad Summit," said Senator Robert Menendez welcoming the nomination of Eric Garcetti.
He said if confirmed, he will work closely with India to support a similarly bold approach of promoting green energy through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and through Agenda 2030 Climate and Clean Energy Partnership.