New Delhi: The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Eric Garcetti as the country's new ambassador to India, filling the key diplomatic position that had been vacant for more than two years.
Garcetti, former Los Angeles Mayor, and President Joe Biden's close aide, was first nominated by President Joe Biden in July 2021 and renominated in January this year.
Reacting to the Senate confirming his appointment, the new US ambassador said, “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,” according to ANI.
Kenneth Juster, the last US ambassador in New Delhi stepped down as the US changed governments in January 2021.
Who is Eric Garcetti?
- Garcetti was the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles from July 2013 to December 2022. He was also elected four times by his peers to serve as the President of the City Council from 2006 to 2012.
- Born on February 4, 1971, the 52-year-old American politician grew up in the San Fernando Valley and earned both his BA and MA from Columbia University.
- He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and also studied at the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Before entering politics, he taught at the University of Southern California from 1997–99 and at Occidental College in Los Angeles from 1998–2001.
He has led more than 400 US mayors to adopt the Paris Climate Agreement and has also co-founded Climate Mayors.
- Garcetti also served as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve for 12 years.
- He is a fourth-generation Angeleno and the son of public servants.
- He is a jazz pianist and photographer.
- He has a daughter with his wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland.