Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden raised the “compelling and consequential” partnership between the US and India to new heights, outgoing US ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Sunday.
“What was seen as unthinkable a generation ago will seem as indispensable a generation from now, thanks to the work of these leaders and the people of our nations,” he said in a post on ‘X’ after meeting Modi.
In an emotional short video, the outgoing US envoy described India as his “second home” and said that he is leaving as a “lifelong” friend and supporter of US-India partnership for the future.
He said the India-US relationship is “truly an enduring story of love for the ages” and that “we are only getting started”.
“How do I say thank you to the most hospitable people in the world?” he said in the video.
“Your people’s dosti and zinda-dili touched me every day. Your festivals, your music, your art, your cuisine — all have left an indelible mark on my soul,” he added.
Garcetti, a political appointee of US President Biden, is stepping down as the ambassador, paving the way for the Trump administration to appoint its new envoy to New Delhi.
He had assumed charge as the US ambassador in May 2023.
“I will always deeply love America where I was born. But India has been a place where I have learned to embrace life in full colour — a place where humanity can understand our past and it can glimpse our future,” he said.
“Our relationship, well it is truly an enduring story of love for the ages and we are only getting started,” he said in the video.
“Picture abhi baki hai mere dost,” he concluded.
Garcetti said he had a great final visit with PM Modi.
“Had a great final visit with PM Modi with my family,” he said in the short video.
“It’s clear that he and President Biden have raised our compelling and consequential US-India partnership to new heights — record visas, record trade, record defense collaboration, record space cooperation, record students, record investments and so much more,” he added.
In the caption accompanying the video, Garcetti called India his “second home”.
“As I bid farewell to India after serving as the 26th U.S. Ambassador to this amazing country, my heart is full. You’ve given me a second home, a family of friends, and memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.
“Today, I leave as more than an ambassador — I leave as a lifelong friend and supporter of #USIndiaFWDfortheFuture,” he said.
“My dear India: you’re not just incredible you’re unforgettable,” he added.
