Ajit Karn
Wednesday saw the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the new US envoy to India, filling a critical diplomatic position that had been vacant for more than two years. The US Senate approved Garcetti’s nomination by a vote of 52 to 42.
Biden nominated the former Los Angeles mayor for the prestigious diplomatic post while his nomination had been lingering before Congress since July 2021.
US Senate confirms Garcetti as ambassador to India
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Biden believes that the United States has a vital and consequential relationship with India, and that Garcetti would make an effective ambassador.
“The President expresses gratitude to Chairman Menendez and senators from both parties for their careful consideration and today’s bipartisan vote to confirm Mayor Garcetti.
Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, Senator Mark Warner, stated that the relationship between India and the United States is robust and of immense strategic, economic, and cultural significance. Founded on shared values, bolstered by expanding economic and trade relations, and fortified by the Indian diaspora in the United States.
“This partnership holds significant promise for the foreseeable future. As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I am pleased that New Delhi will eventually have an ambassador confirmed by the Senate.
His nomination was not presented to the Senate floor for a vote during the previous Congress because the ruling Democratic Party lacked sufficient support to advance Biden’s close aide.
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Garcetti was not confirmed by the Senate during President Biden’s first two years in office due to the concerns of some lawmakers that the then-mayor had not adequately managed sexual assault and harassment allegations against a former senior adviser. In January of this year, the US President renominated Garcetti for the same position.
