US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently lauded the growing partnership between the United States and India, crediting the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden for much of the progress in bilateral ties. In an interview with news agency ANI, Garcetti highlighted the unique nature of their relationship, calling Modi "the most pro-American prime minister we've ever seen in Indian history" and Biden "the most pro-Indian president we’ve had in US history." He emphasized that their close friendship is not just symbolic but representative of the growing mutual respect and understanding between the people of both countries.
According to Garcetti, this deep bond has been instrumental in the rapid expansion of cooperation across various sectors, including strategic, economic, technological, and cultural realms. The ambassador stressed that the relationship between the two leaders mirrors the broader trajectory of US-India relations, which have evolved into a comprehensive partnership underpinned by shared democratic values and mutual interests. He pointed out that this relationship has never been stronger, with both countries increasingly viewing each other as vital partners in addressing global challenges.
Garcetti also spotlighted the importance of the Quad, a strategic alliance comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, as a central component of this partnership. He described the Quad as a "powerful" platform for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, where the four nations share common values, such as the rule of law and a commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity. Garcetti praised the Quad for its proactive approach, stating that it allows member nations to work together to find common solutions for regional challenges, particularly in a part of the world where not every country follows the same rules or respects the same principles.Â
The ambassador also spoke about the most recent Quad Summit, hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, which brought together Prime Minister Modi, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During the summit, the leaders discussed a wide range of shared concerns, including regional security, climate change, and economic cooperation, underscoring the growing strategic alignment among the Quad members. Garcetti described the Quad as a forum that serves not just as a counterbalance to opposing forces in the Indo-Pacific but also as a beacon of hope for a "free, open, and prosperous" region.
He further noted that the Quad represents a unified vision for the Indo-Pacific, one that promotes democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity. "We are standing up for principles that not every country shares, but together, we are building a better future," Garcetti said. He stressed that the Quad is not about isolating or targeting any specific country but about creating a framework for peace and stability that benefits all regional nations. Garcetti also highlighted the significance of economic cooperation within the Quad, particularly in emerging areas like technology, clean energy, and supply chain resilience.
In addition to praising the strategic cooperation fostered by the Quad, Garcetti underscored the cultural and economic dimensions of the growing US-India relationship. He noted that both nations are increasingly intertwined through trade, investment, and educational exchanges, with millions of people-to-people connections enriching the bilateral relationship. He pointed out that Indian students are now the largest group of international students in the US, reflecting the deep ties between the two countries.
Overall, Garcetti's comments reflect a sense of optimism about the future of US-India relations, with both nations poised to play key roles in shaping global dynamics in the years to come. The ambassador’s emphasis on the strong personal bond between Modi and Biden, as well as the growing importance of the Quad, underscores the strategic, economic, and cultural significance of the partnership between the two democracies. As the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly central to global affairs, the cooperation between the US and India, along with their Quad partners, is likely to become even more crucial in maintaining regional stability and promoting shared values.
Â
