- Thursday, April 24, 2025
The envoy said it was wonderful to visit the ashram in Ahmedabad and called it an enduring symbol of Gandhi’s message of non-violence and the foundation of India’s democracy.
By: Shubham Ghosh
Eric Garcetti, who took charge as the US ambassador to India this month, on Monday (15) visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat where he touched upon a number of issues related to India-US relations; the culture of India; prime minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US and even the ongoing Indian Premier League; among others.
Garcetti, who became an full-fledged American ambassador to India after more than two years, was given a warm welcome on his arrival at the ashram, which is also known as the Gandhi Ashram, where India’s iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi had lived and is a place of many events of historical importance.
Speaking at the ashram, Garcetti said it was wonderful to the visit place in Ahmedabad and called the ashram an enduring symbol of Gandhi’s message of non-violence and the foundation of India’s democracy.
“Already this morning I have toured the UNESCO Old City and visited heritage religious sites. Later today, I’ll be meeting with the Self-Employed Women’s Association, engaging with business leaders in GIFT City, and discussing our bilateral relations with Gujarat’s political and social leaders. And a visit to Ahmedabad wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Best of luck to both the Gujarat Titans and the Sunrisers Hyderabad,” he said, wishing the two IPL teams that will play each other at the stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.
“The Sabarmati Ashram stands as an enduring symbol of Gandhi’s message of non-violence and the foundation of India’s democracy. It is a fitting location for me to speak to you today, during my first visit outside of New Delhi as Ambassador,” Garcetti said, adding, “My visit to Ahmedabad highlights Gujarat and India’s importance to the United States. The relationship between the United States the world’s oldest democracy, and India, the world’s largest democracy, is one of the most consequential in the world. Few nations are more vital to the future of global security and prosperity than our two nations, and our relationship is delivering for our peoples and for the wider world.”
Speaking on Modi’s June 22 visit to the US where he will be hosted by president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden over a dinner, the ambassador said, “I am thrilled that prime minister Modi will be visiting the U.S. this June to meet with president Biden. This will be India’s first official state visit to the United States in 14 years and just the third official state visit hosted by the Biden Administration.”
Garcetti, a former mayor of Los Angeles, spoke highly of the India-US relations during a recent interview with an Indian channel where he said that he was excited to serve as the US ambassador in India at a time when the top leaders of both countries were set to visit each other in a span of a few months. Biden is set to visit India in September for the G20 leaders’ summit.
Hailing the relations between the two democracies, Garcetti said, “Together we are addressing global health and development challenges, confronting climate change, and delivering next-generation critical and emerging technologies. We are protecting an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. We are showing the world how the United States and India are better together.”
The diplomat also revealed his personal gains from visiting India, a country which he first visited as a teenager.
“I first came to India as a teenager, and I learned so much. I learned how deeply we are connected to people everywhere on this planet –– no matter where we live, what language we speak, how much money we have, or how we worship. I learned the importance of building a world where every person has an opportunity to belong. As I return to India now, that early understanding has never been clearer,” he added.
Commending India’s growth story, Garcetti said the Asian country has made big progress in the past three decades.
“As a teenager, I never could have imagined the growth and progress that India has achieved in the past three decades. India is emerging as a leading power in the world,” he said, adding, “The growth and progress of the relationship between our two countries has been equally breathtaking. In 1992, the year I graduated from college after studying Hindi and Indian cultural and religious history, U.S.-India ties had languished. Our annual trade stood at $2 billion, our development relationship was a one-way flow, our defense trade was zero, and our military interoperability was non-existent. Nobody was thinking of a U.S.-India strategic partnership.”
“Look how much has changed! Today, we stand at an important moment in history,” he said.
Garcetti said he spoke to Biden about his vision for the partnership between the two countries and the latter stressed how pivotal the current moment is.
“It’s pivotal for the whole planet, of course, but especially for our two countries, who have never worked as closely together on as many issues as we do today,” he said, adding that is a moment to act big.
“This is a moment which, if we do it right, will bring even bigger opportunities in the years to come. And it’s my fervent belief that we’re ready for this moment. We belong in this moment. And India belongs right here with us, thanks to its far-reaching contributions to the region and to the world,” he added.
The diplomat had earlier posted a video on his Twitter recounting his visit to the Maharasthra Bhawan in Delhi.
“From the bustling streets of LA to the colorful lanes of Delhi, my love of great food continues. I’m at Maharashtra Bhawan, eager to explore the fascinating flavors of India. Join me on this journey as I sample the essence of India, one state at a time. Where should I go next?,” he posted.
On May 11, Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco presented their credentials to Indian president Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.
