- Friday, February 28, 2025
Speaking at the INDUS-X conference in Washington, the diplomat described the Indian leader’s visit as an opportunity to build upon the growing relationship between India and the US.
By: India Weekly Staff
US AMBASSADOR to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday (20) hailed Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States as a “watershed moment” that could reshape bilateral relations between the two democracies.
Speaking at the INDUS-X conference organised by US-India Business Council in partnership with the US defense department and India’s department of defence production in Washington, Garcetti focused on the importance of the historic event in forging a path towards peace and prosperity. He described the Indian leader’s visit as an opportunity to build upon the growing relationship between India and the US.
“We’re just getting in the car together and we’re starting this voyage. It’s the elevation of something that has been growing,” he said.
“Let us take this watershed moment that is a game changer and an ecosystem and bring those two things together. Let us see that tonight. This is what it feels like to live through history. This week is one of those moments that can change the course of history. I know our leaders will deliver that, but they’re counting on us to implement that vision together,” Garcetti, who took over as a full-fledged US ambassador to India in May after a gap of more than two years, added.
"Let us work towards peace today. From peace, we build prosperity, from prosperity we protect our planet," says US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti at US-India Business Council in Washington #PMModiUSVisit pic.twitter.com/nPQALl5typ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 20, 2023
“We’re thrilled to see INDUS X working for peace and preparing coordination in a way that we've never experienced between India and the United States.”@USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti joined us for #INDUSX to discuss the U.S. and India's strategic partnership. pic.twitter.com/0Nz2SrT8Vk
— U.S. Chamber (@USChamber) June 21, 2023
Garcetti acknowledged the vision of Modi and president Joe Biden, who recognised the potential of collaboration between their nations. He highlighted the Initiative on Critical Emerging Technologies (iCET), which encompasses a broad range of domains, from the seabed to space, and underpins the cooperation between the US and India. Garcetti expressed confidence in the potential of the two democracies, with a combined population of 1.75 billion, to contribute to global peace, prosperity, and environmental preservation.
The ambassador stressed the importance of technology and innovation in strengthening bilateral ties. He cited the roadmap for defense industry cooperation as a mechanism for progress and lauded the courage displayed by the current administration in fostering collaboration. Garcetti anticipated opportunities for startups to participate in joint challenges and work alongside established defense industry leaders. He expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations that would bring together experts, stakeholders, and defense industry accelerators.
Garcetti stressed on the need for improved efficiency in navigating regulatory and bureaucratic processes between India and the US. He called for institutionalising the rhetoric of this moment and incorporating it into the functioning of both nations. The ambassador highlighted the importance of collaboration and the exponential potential of innovation when individuals with brilliant ideas come together.
In conclusion, Garcetti underscored the significance of Modi’s state visit to the US, focusing on the transformative possibilities that lie ahead. He expressed optimism for enhanced cooperation, technological advancements, and the institutionalisation of shared goals and values between the two nations.
(With agency inputs)
