Washington: Eric Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles and a close aide of President Joe Biden, has been confirmed by the US Senate as the US ambassador to India. The confirmation followed a two-year-long nomination process that saw allegations of improper handling of workplace harassment complaints leveled against Garcetti.
The final vote was 52–42, with seven Republicans joining the Democrats in support of Garcetti, while three Democrats voted against him.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The United States-India relationship is extremely important and it’s great that we now have an ambassador.”
With several Democrat defections, Garcetti’s fate rested with Republican senators in a chamber that often divided along partisan lines. He garnered seven GOP votes, enough for a Democratic breakaway.
Kansas Republican Roger Marshall said having an ambassador to India was important in furthering ties between the members of the “Quad” – the US India, Australia and Japan, which he said puts pressure on China.
Marshall said, “We don’t agree on all the different policies he’s done as mayor, but I think he’s a good person at heart and he’ll be a good ambassador.” He said on the allegations, “He gave adequate answers to my questions.”
The post of ambassador to India was vacant since January 2021, a matter of concern as the US seeks to strengthen its partnership with India against China’s growing influence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently led a Congressional delegation to India, stressed the importance of the US-India relationship.
Biden has prioritized deepening ties with India, the world’s largest democracy and an important US trading partner, as part of his efforts to promote free societies over autocracy.
Garcetti was nominated in July 2021, but his confirmation was delayed due to allegations that he improperly handled complaints of workplace harassment during his tenure as mayor of Los Angeles. Garcetti has denied any wrongdoing.
(with inputs from agencies)
The final vote was 52–42, with seven Republicans joining the Democrats in support of Garcetti, while three Democrats voted against him.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The United States-India relationship is extremely important and it’s great that we now have an ambassador.”
With several Democrat defections, Garcetti’s fate rested with Republican senators in a chamber that often divided along partisan lines. He garnered seven GOP votes, enough for a Democratic breakaway.
Kansas Republican Roger Marshall said having an ambassador to India was important in furthering ties between the members of the “Quad” – the US India, Australia and Japan, which he said puts pressure on China.
Marshall said, “We don’t agree on all the different policies he’s done as mayor, but I think he’s a good person at heart and he’ll be a good ambassador.” He said on the allegations, “He gave adequate answers to my questions.”
The post of ambassador to India was vacant since January 2021, a matter of concern as the US seeks to strengthen its partnership with India against China’s growing influence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently led a Congressional delegation to India, stressed the importance of the US-India relationship.
Biden has prioritized deepening ties with India, the world’s largest democracy and an important US trading partner, as part of his efforts to promote free societies over autocracy.
Garcetti was nominated in July 2021, but his confirmation was delayed due to allegations that he improperly handled complaints of workplace harassment during his tenure as mayor of Los Angeles. Garcetti has denied any wrongdoing.
(with inputs from agencies)
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