US-India Relationship Is Most Important in World, Says Ambassador Garcetti

The Republic of India is the seventh largest country in the world, home to over a billion people. A thriving democracy and a critical emerging power, India is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions. Located in the heart of South Asia, it occupies a distinct geographical area defined by mountains and seas. It boasts a diverse population, which has produced such literary figures as Salman Rushdie and world-famous virtuosos such as Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. The country also hosts the largest film industry in the world, known as Bollywood. However, despite India’s wealth and success, it struggles with widespread poverty, ethnic conflict, and security issues.

The United States and India are global partners whose relationship is the most defining of this century. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the shared principles of democracy, freedom, human rights, and inclusive societies and their belief that a rules-based international order must be respected. They pledged to work together to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both countries shared the commitment to expand cooperation on innovation, research, and development in areas including artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing and to build a future where all of our citizens have the opportunity to thrive. The leaders also committed to working together on advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, including by supporting the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. Both nations reaffirmed their strong support for the Quad, the US-India-Japan-Australia partnership, which aims to promote an open, accessible, and secure Indo-Pacific.

Garcetti also highlighted opportunities to expand economic and business ties, particularly in the clean energy sector. He welcomed India’s Production-Linked Incentive, which provides tax benefits for companies in the renewable energy sector. He encouraged both countries to explore the potential for investment and trade in each other’s markets. The Ambassador also praised the progress India has made in combatting tuberculosis, noting that they were on track to meet the UN’s goal of eliminating the disease by 2025, five years ahead of schedule.

Ambassador-designate Garcetti is a fourth-generation native of Los Angeles and is a proud card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild. He is also an avid pianist and photographer. As Mayor of Los Angeles, he led the most diverse city in America, with over 100 nationalities and languages represented within its boundaries. He has been a public servant and political leader for over three decades, most recently serving as the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2022. In March, he was sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris. The ceremony took place at the White House. He will make his first official visit to India next week. He will hold bilateral meetings in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. He will also attend the APEC Summit as a guest of President Biden. He will be in India until November 20, 2023. He will then travel to Australia and Japan.