Ashish Ranjan
Eric Garcetti, the former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris at a ceremony held here on Friday.This month, the U.S. Senate confirmed Garcetti’s nomination, concluding a delay of over two years in filling the crucial diplomatic position.
Garcetti’s nomination has been pending before the U.S. Congress since President Joe Biden nominated him in July 2021.During the swearing-in ceremony, Maya Garcetti held the Hebrew Bible, which was officiated over by Vice President Kamala Harris.
His close family members, including his wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti, and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland, attended the ceremony.When questioned about his new diplomatic position, Garcetti responded, “I can’t wait to serve.”
Eric Garcetti, 52, was not confirmed by the Senate during the first two years of President Biden’s administration due to the concerns of some legislators that he had not handled allegations of sexual assault and harassment against a former senior adviser adequately.
In January of this year, President Biden renominated him for the same position.Garcetti’s supporters argued that India should not be without an ambassador due to geopolitical concerns.
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The U.S. Embassy in India has been without an ambassador since January 2021, which is the longest period in the history of U.S.-India relations during which the post has been vacant. Kenneth Juster, the last U.S. envoy in New Delhi, resigned following the transition of administration in the United States.
