US envoy to India, Eric Garcetti
NEW DELHI: The outgoing
US envoy to India
,
Eric Garcetti
, reflected on his tenure as the 26th US envoy and the deep bonds forged between the two nations during his time in the role. Signing off with the iconic Bollywood line “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!” from
Om Shanti Om
, Garcetti expressed confidence in the enduring strength of US-India relations.
Posting a video on his social media, Garcetti expressed his deep connection with India, a country he first encountered as a child and revisited as a student. He highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people, saying, “My dear India: you’re not just incredible—you’re unforgettable. With love, Eric.”
Garcetti described India as a place that quickly felt like home. “From the moment I landed in New Delhi to serve as the 26th US ambassador, India as felt like home,” he said. “Your people’s dosti and zindadili touch me every day,” he added, referencing the deep friendships and vibrant spirit he encountered during his travels.
In his tenure, Garcetti visited 28 states, immersing himself in India’s diverse culture and heritage.
He recalled memorable experiences, including floating past the ghats in Varanasi, crossing living root bridges in Meghalaya, sailing through Kerala’s backwaters, and cheering for the Indian cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
“I’ve been able to float past the Ghats at Varanasi, I’ve crossed living root bridges in Meghalaya, sailed through the backwaters of Kerala, cheered on India at Modi Stadium, and played hoops with the girls in bustling Mumbai. I’ve seen that fusion of ancient royalty and modern innovation in Hyderabad, celebrated the culture of Kolkata and the incredible history in the ancient temples of Chennai,” he said.
He also mentioned his time playing basketball with young girls in Mumbai, witnessing Hyderabad’s blend of history and modernity, celebrating Kolkata’s rich culture, and exploring Chennai’s ancient temples. “We’ve launched a new beginning in Bangalore,” he added, referring to the inauguration of the fifth US consulate in India, located in Bengaluru.
Garcetti highlighted the key milestones in US-India relations during his tenure, including collaboration on vaccine distribution, technological advancements, and strengthened partnerships in science, business, and education.
He praised the close cooperation between the two nations, saying, “We’ve seen our businesses trade together, our guardians train together, and our people celebrate together.” Reflecting on the shared aspirations of the US and India, Garcetti said, “The American and the Indian dream, they’re flip sides of the same coin.”
Garcetti also added, “India, you have my heart. While I will always deeply love America, where I was born, India has taught me to embrace life in full color—a place where humanity can understand its past and glimpse its future.”
In his farewell message, Garcetti referenced the enduring relationship between the two nations. “Our relationship is truly an enduring story of love for the ages. And we are only getting started,” he said, signing off with the iconic Bollywood line from ‘Om Shanti Om’: “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!”
