This is a busy time for the India-US relationship where the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United States in the month of June. From a NATO plus alliance to the sale of F-16s to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the PM’s visit to the US in June- Ambassador Eric Garcetti speaks to WION.

Eric Garcetti on India-US relations and PM Modi's June visit to the US

US' Envoy to India Erc Garcetti is in the Indian financial capital, Mumbai where he lived the dream of millions. The American diplomat was hosted by the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan at his residence Mannat.

King Khan hosts US envoy Garcetti at Mannat

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital New Delhi and has officially assumed charge.

After meeting the Indian president, Garcetti said he would focus on raising the bilateral partnership to “new heights”, with both countries working together on “defining issues” of the time.

“The #USIndia partnership is vital, strong, and filled with opportunity. The bond between our countries and people's runs deep. Proud to be at the helm of the US Mission to India advancing #USIndiaTogether!” Garcetti posted on Twitter after officially taking over the post. 
 
In March, the Biden administration&nbsp;announced that Garcetti will be its US envoy.&nbsp;Garcetti got the job over two-and-a-half years after his name was first announced for the post.

Until about five years ago, Garcetti, a hardcore Joe Biden supporter, was regarded as one of the Democratic Party's young talents. However, the final years of his nine-year mayorship of Los Angeles were marred by scandals, which cost him a position in Biden's cabinet and nearly sidetracked his ambassador bid.

Garcetti's path to New Delhi was effectively sealed when the US Senate passed a cloture motion on it. A cloture motion is adopted when a supermajority supports the issue at hand and limits further debate by minority members.

Even as the World Hindu Council of America (WHCA) campaigned against Eric Garcetti's nomination for the post of Washington DC envoy to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government welcomed the confirmation of his appointment by the US.&nbsp;

“We welcome the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to India. We look forward to working with him to take forward the multifaceted bilateral relations,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi.

<h2>Who is Eric Garcetti? New US ambassador to India&nbsp;</h2>

Eric Michael Garcetti was designated as the US ambassador to India in March 15, 2023. He previously served as Los Angeles' 42nd mayor from 2013 to 2022. He was elected as a member of the Democratic Party in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017. Garcetti, a former member of the Los Angeles City Council, was President of the Council from 2006 to 2012. He was the city's first elected Jewish mayor and its second Mexican-American mayor in a row. He was 42 at the time of his inauguration, making him the youngest mayor in over 100 years.

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The 52-year-old was raised in the San Fernando Valley and received his BA and MA from Columbia University. He attended Oxford and the London School of Economics as a Rhodes Scholar and taught at Occidental College and USC. He was a reserve officer in the US Navy for 12 years and "is an avid jazz pianist and photographer," according to his website. He and his wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland, have a daughter.

While he was praised for instituting a $15 minimum wage, improving Los Angeles' transit system and making it more earthquake-resistant, and providing residents with regular briefings during the Covid pandemic, he was chastised for the city's homelessness crisis.

During the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the death of George Floyd, he was rebuked by both the Left and the Right for attempting to find a middle ground between the "defund the police" calls. Corruption allegations at the City Council cast even more doubt on his track record.

However, the biggest setback for him came in the form of sexual misconduct allegations against an aide, whom Garcetti was accused of not acting against.

<h2>What was the Rick Jacobs sexual scandal?</h2>

Matthew Garza, a police officer and Garcetti's bodyguard, filed a lawsuit against Rick Jacobs, a key aide to Garcetti, in 2020. Jacobs allegedly touched Garza inappropriately and made "crude sexual remarks," according to Garza. 
 
Jacobs then resigned from his position. Garcetti has repeatedly stated that he is unaware of the alleged misconduct. His opponents, on the other hand, have claimed that he either knew about the allegations or did nothing about them, or that he was unaware of what was going on in his team.

<h2>Eric Garcetti’s relation with India</h2>

The WHCA had petitioned the US Senate to reject Garcetti's nomination. It&nbsp; claimed that Garcetti had demonstrated a "poor understanding" of India while testifying before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in December 2021, during his previous failed attempt to confirm the appointment.

When asked about the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) introduced by the Modi government, human rights violations, and alleged persecution of Muslims in India, Garcetti told a Senate committee that all of these issues would remain at the forefront of his engagements with New Delhi during his tenure as US ambassador to India. 
 
The video of Garcetti’s December 2021 testimony resurfaced in social media recently, with several netizens denouncing his comments.

Garcetti is now going to lead the US embassy, which did not have a full-time ambassador at its helm since Biden succeeded Donald Trump in January 2021.

 
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US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital New Delhi and has officially assumed charge.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital New Delhi and has officially assumed charge. After meeting the Indian president, Garcetti said he would focus on raising the bilateral partnership to “new heights”, with both countries working together on “defining issues” of the time. “The #USIndia partnership is vital, strong, and filled with opportunity. The bond between our countries and people's runs deep. Proud to be at the helm of the US Mission to India advancing #USIndiaTogether!” Garcetti posted on Twitter after officially taking over the post. In March, the Biden administration announced that Garcetti will be its US envoy. Garcetti got the job over two-and-a-half years after his name was first announced for the post. Until about five years ago, Garcetti, a hardcore Joe Biden supporter, was regarded as one of the Democratic Party's young talents. However, the final years of his nine-year mayorship of Los Angeles were marred by scandals, which cost him a position in Biden's cabinet and nearly sidetracked his ambassador bid. Garcetti's path to New Delhi was effectively sealed when the US Senate passed a cloture motion on it. A cloture motion is adopted when a supermajority supports the issue at hand and limits further debate by minority members. Even as the World Hindu Council of America (WHCA) campaigned against Eric Garcetti's nomination for the post of Washington DC envoy to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government welcomed the confirmation of his appointment by the US. “We welcome the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as the US Ambassador to India. We look forward to working with him to take forward the multifaceted bilateral relations,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi. Who is Eric Garcetti? New US ambassador to India Eric Michael Garcetti was designated as the US ambassador to India in March 15, 2023. He previously served as Los Angeles' 42nd mayor from 2013 to 2022. He was elected as a member of the Democratic Party in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017. Garcetti, a former member of the Los Angeles City Council, was President of the Council from 2006 to 2012. He was the city's first elected Jewish mayor and its second Mexican-American mayor in a row. He was 42 at the time of his inauguration, making him the youngest mayor in over 100 years. Also Read | Who is Blake Johnston? Australian man who went on record-breaking surfing for more than 30 HOURS The 52-year-old was raised in the San Fernando Valley and received his BA and MA from Columbia University. He attended Oxford and the London School of Economics as a Rhodes Scholar and taught at Occidental College and USC. He was a reserve officer in the US Navy for 12 years and "is an avid jazz pianist and photographer," according to his website. He and his wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland, have a daughter. While he was praised for instituting a $15 minimum wage, improving Los Angeles' transit system and making it more earthquake-resistant, and providing residents with regular briefings during the Covid pandemic, he was chastised for the city's homelessness crisis. During the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the death of George Floyd, he was rebuked by both the Left and the Right for attempting to find a middle ground between the "defund the police" calls. Corruption allegations at the City Council cast even more doubt on his track record. However, the biggest setback for him came in the form of sexual misconduct allegations against an aide, whom Garcetti was accused of not acting against. What was the Rick Jacobs sexual scandal? Matthew Garza, a police officer and Garcetti's bodyguard, filed a lawsuit against Rick Jacobs, a key aide to Garcetti, in 2020. Jacobs allegedly touched Garza inappropriately and made "crude sexual remarks," according to Garza. Jacobs then resigned from his position. Garcetti has repeatedly stated that he is unaware of the alleged misconduct. His opponents, on the other hand, have claimed that he either knew about the allegations or did nothing about them, or that he was unaware of what was going on in his team. Eric Garcetti’s relation with India The WHCA had petitioned the US Senate to reject Garcetti's nomination. It claimed that Garcetti had demonstrated a "poor understanding" of India while testifying before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in December 2021, during his previous failed attempt to confirm the appointment. When asked about the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) introduced by the Modi government, human rights violations, and alleged persecution of Muslims in India, Garcetti told a Senate committee that all of these issues would remain at the forefront of his engagements with New Delhi during his tenure as US ambassador to India. The video of Garcetti’s December 2021 testimony resurfaced in social media recently, with several netizens denouncing his comments. Garcetti is now going to lead the US embassy, which did not have a full-time ambassador at its helm since Biden succeeded Donald Trump in January 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Eric Garcetti? A Joe Biden loyalist, former LA mayor & now the US ambassador to India

The new US Ambassador Eric Garcetti presented his credentials to the Indian President Draupadi Murmu ending the longest period since US has gone without an ambassador to India. He has taken up the position which was vacant since January 2021. Garcetti, was originally nominated by US President Joe Biden in July 2021.

New US ambassador to India presents his credentials to Indian President Draupadi Murmu

Former LA mayor Eric Garcetti has officially sworn in as US ambassador to India. This came after US senate confirmed Garcetti's nomination earlier this month, ending a long wait of 2 years to fill the key diplomatic position.

New US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti sworn in, key diplomatic position filled after 2 years

Eric Garcetti on Friday was formally sworn in as the next US Ambassador to India, over two-and-half years after his name was originally announced for the position.&nbsp;

Garcetti was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris at an event which saw the presence of Garcetti's daughter Maya, his wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti, and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland.&nbsp;

"It feels great. Can't wait to serve," Garcetti, 52, said, as per reports. "I'm so honoured the vice president did this," he added.&nbsp;Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also attended the event.

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Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu held talks with Garcetti following the ceremony. While congratulating Garcetti as the new Ambassador of US to India, Sandhu said, "As he prepares to depart for India, we discussed some immediate priorities in deepening the bilateral partnership, in line with our Leaders' vision."&nbsp;

Garcetti, when asked about when he plans to travel to India, said, "Hopefully as soon as I can."

Together, Harris and Garcetti rose to prominence in California politics. Harris is of Indian and Jamaican origin, while Garcetti is Jewish and Mexican American. Garcetti talked about their shared links as mixed-race people.

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He previously served as Los Angeles' 42nd mayor from 2013 to 2022 and was elected as a member of the Democratic Party in 2013 then re-elected in 2017. Garcetti, a former member of the Los Angeles City Council, was President of the Council from 2006 to 2012.

He was 42 at the time of his inauguration, making him the youngest mayor in over 100 years.

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-on-a-diplomatic-blitz-as-ukraine-war-rages-peace-plan-too-vague-to-make-a-difference-wion-575604">China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference?&nbsp;</a>

Scandals over the final years of his nine-year mayorship lost him a spot in Biden's cabinet and almost derailed his run for ambassador. US Senate approved a closure resolution last week which cleared the path for Garcetti to take the position as a US envoy to India.&nbsp; 
 
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Eric Garcetti on Friday was formally sworn in as the next US Ambassador to India, over two-and-half years after his name was originally announced for the position.

Eric Garcetti on Friday was formally sworn in as the next US Ambassador to India, over two-and-half years after his name was originally announced for the position. Garcetti was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris at an event which saw the presence of Garcetti's daughter Maya, his wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti, and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland. "It feels great. Can't wait to serve," Garcetti, 52, said, as per reports. "I'm so honoured the vice president did this," he added. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also attended the event. Also Read | Russia to skp Earth Hour 2023, designates WWF a foreign agent Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu held talks with Garcetti following the ceremony. While congratulating Garcetti as the new Ambassador of US to India, Sandhu said, "As he prepares to depart for India, we discussed some immediate priorities in deepening the bilateral partnership, in line with our Leaders' vision." Garcetti, when asked about when he plans to travel to India, said, "Hopefully as soon as I can." Together, Harris and Garcetti rose to prominence in California politics. Harris is of Indian and Jamaican origin, while Garcetti is Jewish and Mexican American. Garcetti talked about their shared links as mixed-race people. Also Read | Countdown begins for ISRO's largest LVM3 rocket launch He previously served as Los Angeles' 42nd mayor from 2013 to 2022 and was elected as a member of the Democratic Party in 2013 then re-elected in 2017. Garcetti, a former member of the Los Angeles City Council, was President of the Council from 2006 to 2012. He was 42 at the time of his inauguration, making him the youngest mayor in over 100 years. WATCH | China on a diplomatic blitz as Ukraine war rages | Peace plan too vague to make a difference? Scandals over the final years of his nine-year mayorship lost him a spot in Biden's cabinet and almost derailed his run for ambassador. US Senate approved a closure resolution last week which cleared the path for Garcetti to take the position as a US envoy to India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eric Garcetti sworn in as US ambassador to India, meets Indian envoy Sandhu

President Joe Biden's nomination of Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. The chamber voted 52 to 42 to break a filibuster on the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination.&nbsp;

Garcetti, who is a close aide of US President Joe Biden, was surrounded by controversy over allegations that he allegedly sexually harassed and bullied one of his former top aides. In view of this, a number of Senate Democrats had voiced their worries about his candidature.

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However, this is a significant development as now after the crucial vote, Garcetti was&nbsp;confirmed as US ambassador to India. This also reflects that the ruling Democratic Party has enough votes for his selection for the post.

Biden showed his intent to nominate the former mayor of Los Angeles for the renowned diplomatic position in July 2021. However, his candidature has been pending before the US Congress since then. The voting was done on the cloture motion limiting debate on his nomination.

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A cloture motion is a procedural move that ends the current round of discussion on the subject. It&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;that the issue has the backing of a super-majority. Therefore, it&nbsp;enabled&nbsp;the majority to resist attempts by the minority to postpone or impede proceedings on a topic.

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The nomination was advanced&nbsp;last week by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senators Todd Young of Indiana and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee cast votes in favour of the nomination with Democrats on a 13-8 vote.

A former communication’s director for Garcetti, Naomi Seligman, who has accused Garcetti of sexual harassment during his time in office told CNN, “He is unfit to become an ambassador or really to hold public office anywhere in this country or this world."

Kenneth Juster, the last US ambassador in New Delhi stepped down as the US changed governments in January 2021.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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President Joe Biden's nomination of Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. The chamber voted 52 to 42 to break a filibuster on the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination.

President Joe Biden's nomination of Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. The chamber voted 52 to 42 to break a filibuster on the former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination. Garcetti, who is a close aide of US President Joe Biden, was surrounded by controversy over allegations that he allegedly sexually harassed and bullied one of his former top aides. In view of this, a number of Senate Democrats had voiced their worries about his candidature. Also Read | Oxford English Dictionary adds 47 Maori, New Zealand words However, this is a significant development as now after the crucial vote, Garcetti was confirmed as US ambassador to India. This also reflects that the ruling Democratic Party has enough votes for his selection for the post. Biden showed his intent to nominate the former mayor of Los Angeles for the renowned diplomatic position in July 2021. However, his candidature has been pending before the US Congress since then. The voting was done on the cloture motion limiting debate on his nomination. Also Read | Japan's Fuji Electric to expand India ops, invest $50mn A cloture motion is a procedural move that ends the current round of discussion on the subject. It demonstrated that the issue has the backing of a super-majority. Therefore, it enabled the majority to resist attempts by the minority to postpone or impede proceedings on a topic. Watch | 48 teams, 104 matches: Has FIFA devalued the football World Cup? The nomination was advanced last week by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senators Todd Young of Indiana and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee cast votes in favour of the nomination with Democrats on a 13-8 vote. A former communication’s director for Garcetti, Naomi Seligman, who has accused Garcetti of sexual harassment during his time in office told CNN, “He is unfit to become an ambassador or really to hold public office anywhere in this country or this world." Kenneth Juster, the last US ambassador in New Delhi stepped down as the US changed governments in January 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eric Garcetti, Biden’s close aide, confirmed as US ambassador to India

U.S. President Joe Biden's aide Eric Garcetti has been appointed as the new U.S. Envoy to India, the news was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. He has taken up the position which was vacant since January 2021. Garcetti, was originally nominated by U.S. President Joe Biden in July 2021.

US: Eric Garcetti confirmed as envoy to India, was appointed by Prez Biden in July 2021

The US Senate will sit on Wednesday to vote on the nomination of Eric Garcetti&nbsp;as the new ambassador to India.&nbsp;Garcetti's nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote last week.&nbsp;

The confirmation vote is scheduled to take place at 2:15 PM local Washington time. If&nbsp;confirmed, Garcetti will head to India soon to assume the all-important position, vacant for more than two years.&nbsp;

Last week, Todd Young and Bill Hagerty, the two Republican Senators, joined the Democrats and voted in favour of Garcetti, as the key committee passed his name for the second time in as many years. After the midterms, President Joe Biden renominated Garcetti as his preferred envoy to India.&nbsp;

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Garcetti's name was first proposed in July 2021, a few months after Biden took office. However, since then, Garcetti has not been able to receive approval from the US Senate, primarily due to a sexual harassment controversy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Democrat leader had served as Biden's co-chair during the presidential election campaign. He is still one of Biden's most significant political allies and at one time, he was seen as a potential part of the president's cabinet. However, the controversy proved to be a spanner in the job.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eric-garcetti-bidens-choice-for-ambassador-to-india-approved-by-key-senatorial-committee-570065">Read more:&nbsp;Eric Garcetti, Biden's choice for ambassador to India, approved by key Senate committee</a>

Usually, lack of an ambassador is perceived as a breakdown in the relations between two countries. However, India-US relations have been on an upswing over the years and absence of the envoy has sent confusing signals to allies.&nbsp;

Notably, ever since Kenneth Juster's departure as the US ambassador to India in January 2021, Washington has appointed six interim envoys. Currently,&nbsp;Elizabeth Jones is serving as&nbsp;the charge d'Affaires ad interim at its Embassy in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Senate will sit on Wednesday to vote on the nomination of Eric Garcetti as the new ambassador to India. Garcetti's nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote last week.

The US Senate will sit on Wednesday to vote on the nomination of Eric Garcetti as the new ambassador to India. Garcetti's nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote last week. The confirmation vote is scheduled to take place at 2:15 PM local Washington time. If confirmed, Garcetti will head to India soon to assume the all-important position, vacant for more than two years. Last week, Todd Young and Bill Hagerty, the two Republican Senators, joined the Democrats and voted in favour of Garcetti, as the key committee passed his name for the second time in as many years. After the midterms, President Joe Biden renominated Garcetti as his preferred envoy to India. WATCH | U.S: Former LA mayor Eric Garcetti finally advances in India ambassador bid × Garcetti's name was first proposed in July 2021, a few months after Biden took office. However, since then, Garcetti has not been able to receive approval from the US Senate, primarily due to a sexual harassment controversy. The Democrat leader had served as Biden's co-chair during the presidential election campaign. He is still one of Biden's most significant political allies and at one time, he was seen as a potential part of the president's cabinet. However, the controversy proved to be a spanner in the job. Read more: Eric Garcetti, Biden's choice for ambassador to India, approved by key Senate committee Usually, lack of an ambassador is perceived as a breakdown in the relations between two countries. However, India-US relations have been on an upswing over the years and absence of the envoy has sent confusing signals to allies. Notably, ever since Kenneth Juster's departure as the US ambassador to India in January 2021, Washington has appointed six interim envoys. Currently, Elizabeth Jones is serving as the charge d'Affaires ad interim at its Embassy in Delhi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Senate to vote on Eric Garcetti, Biden's preferred choice for ambassador to India

Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti finally moved forward in his bid to become U.S. ambassador to India, a position vacant for more than two years despite U.S. efforts to build ties with New Delhi.

U.S: Former LA mayor Eric Garcetti finally advances in India ambassador bid

Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday (March 8) moved forward in his bid to become the US ambassador to India as he was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become the ambassador by a 13-8 vote. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the 'Illegal Migration Bill'. Sunak said the situation of illegal migrants is neither moral nor sustainable. And in Georgia, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the planned foreign agent law with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eric-garcetti-bidens-choice-for-ambassador-to-india-approved-by-key-senatorial-committee-570065">Eric Garcetti, Biden's choice for ambassador to India approved by key senatorial committee</a>

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Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become the US ambassador to India by a 13-8 vote. The nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a full vote.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071">'We will detain': Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants</a>

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended the 'Illegal Migration Bill', currently tabled in the parliament saying it was about taking back 'control of our borders'. The Conservative leader was fielding questions from the opposition during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-protesters-rally-against-foreign-agent-bill-in-georgia-570056">Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia</a>

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The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics.

WATCH | US intel chiefs say China likely to press Taiwan and seek to undercut US

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WATCH | Pakistan: 1 killed as police use water cannon, tear gas on Imran Khan's supporters in Lahore

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Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday (March 8) moved forward in his bid to become the US ambassador to India as he was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become the ambassador by a 13-8 vote.

Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday (March 8) moved forward in his bid to become the US ambassador to India as he was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become the ambassador by a 13-8 vote. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the 'Illegal Migration Bill'. Sunak said the situation of illegal migrants is neither moral nor sustainable. And in Georgia, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the planned foreign agent law with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. Eric Garcetti, Biden's choice for ambassador to India approved by key senatorial committee Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to become the US ambassador to India by a 13-8 vote. The nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a full vote. 'We will detain': Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended the 'Illegal Migration Bill', currently tabled in the parliament saying it was about taking back 'control of our borders'. The Conservative leader was fielding questions from the opposition during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons. Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics. WATCH | US intel chiefs say China likely to press Taiwan and seek to undercut US × WATCH | Pakistan: 1 killed as police use water cannon, tear gas on Imran Khan's supporters in Lahore ×

Morning brief: Garcetti moves forward in bid to become US envoy to India; UK PM defends illegal migration bill

Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination as US ambassador to India was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote. The nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a full vote.&nbsp;

Todd Young and Bill Hagerty, the two Republican Senators, joined the Democrats and voted in favour of Garcetti as the key senatorial committee passed his name for the second time in as many years.&nbsp;

"We did see the action on the part of the Senate today. We heartily applaud that. US needs a confirmed Ambassador in India. Our team on the ground, including Charge d' Affaires, who have served in the place of an ambassador, have done extraordinary work," said Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson after the confirmation.&nbsp;

With the Democrats gaining an advantage in the Senate after the November midterm elections, hopes have rekindled that Garcetti will earn his confirmation soon. He was renominated by President Joe Biden in January.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/garcetti-renominated-by-biden-will-india-finally-receive-its-us-envoy-after-two-years-549212" target="_blank">Read more: Garcetti renominated by Biden. Will India finally receive its US envoy after two years?</a>

Garcetti's name was first proposed in July 2021, a few months after Biden took office. However, since then, Garcetti has not been able to receive approval from the US Senate, primarily due to a sexual harassment controversy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Democrat leader had served as Biden's co-chair during the presidential election campaign. He is still one of Biden's most significant political allies and at one time, he was seen as a potential part of the president's cabinet. However, the controversy proved to be a spanner in the job.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ambassador-designate-to-india-eric-garcetti-will-actively-raise-human-rights-issue-437565">WATCH |&nbsp;US ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti: Will actively raise Human Rights issue</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ambassador-designate-to-india-eric-garcetti-will-actively-raise-human-rights-issue-437565/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The bilateral relations between the two countries are at a crucial juncture. The absence of a full-time envoy can have a negative impact as the ambassador acts as a bridge between the top hierarchy of the two countries during critical periods.

Usually, the absence of an ambassador is seen as a downgrade in ties. Countries often show displeasure over policy issues to foreign nations by recalling their envoys.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-controversy-surrounding-eric-garcetti-bidens-pick-for-us-envoy-to-india-566836" target="_blank">EXPLAINED | What is the controversy surrounding Eric Garcetti? Biden's pick for US envoy to India</a>

Ever since Kenneth Juster's departure as the US ambassador to India in January 2021, Washington has appointed six interim envoys. Currently,&nbsp;Elizabeth Jones is serving as&nbsp;the charge d'Affaires ad interim at its Embassy in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination as US ambassador to India was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote. The nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a full vote.

Former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination as US ambassador to India was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a 13-8 vote. The nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a full vote. Todd Young and Bill Hagerty, the two Republican Senators, joined the Democrats and voted in favour of Garcetti as the key senatorial committee passed his name for the second time in as many years. "We did see the action on the part of the Senate today. We heartily applaud that. US needs a confirmed Ambassador in India. Our team on the ground, including Charge d' Affaires, who have served in the place of an ambassador, have done extraordinary work," said Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson after the confirmation. With the Democrats gaining an advantage in the Senate after the November midterm elections, hopes have rekindled that Garcetti will earn his confirmation soon. He was renominated by President Joe Biden in January. Read more: Garcetti renominated by Biden. Will India finally receive its US envoy after two years? Garcetti's name was first proposed in July 2021, a few months after Biden took office. However, since then, Garcetti has not been able to receive approval from the US Senate, primarily due to a sexual harassment controversy. The Democrat leader had served as Biden's co-chair during the presidential election campaign. He is still one of Biden's most significant political allies and at one time, he was seen as a potential part of the president's cabinet. However, the controversy proved to be a spanner in the job. WATCH | US ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti: Will actively raise Human Rights issue The bilateral relations between the two countries are at a crucial juncture. The absence of a full-time envoy can have a negative impact as the ambassador acts as a bridge between the top hierarchy of the two countries during critical periods. Usually, the absence of an ambassador is seen as a downgrade in ties. Countries often show displeasure over policy issues to foreign nations by recalling their envoys. EXPLAINED | What is the controversy surrounding Eric Garcetti? Biden's pick for US envoy to India Ever since Kenneth Juster's departure as the US ambassador to India in January 2021, Washington has appointed six interim envoys. Currently, Elizabeth Jones is serving as the charge d'Affaires ad interim at its Embassy in Delhi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Eric Garcetti, Biden's choice for ambassador to India, approved by key Senate committee

Eric Garcetti's candidature is expected to be heard on Tuesday (February 28) by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, more than a year after he was initially considered as a potential American ambassador to India in&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

Garcetti, who was put&nbsp;forth by US&nbsp;President Joseph Biden to serve as ambassador to India, suffered yet another setback when a prominent Republican Senator put a hold on his confirmation, citing him as one of several "questionable" nominees.

Six additional nominations were also put on hold by Senator Marco Rubio, including that of Richard Verma, a former US ambassador to India, just days prior&nbsp;to a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was set for Tuesday. The confirmation procedures for Garcetti, Verma, and others would have to be postponed indefinitely until the problem is fixed, even though the Committee hearing may still go on, as reported by the Indian Express.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden and Garcetti: Political allies&nbsp;</h2>

In July 2021, Garcetti was named as the White House's choice for India, but his appointment was delayed due to charges of sexual harassment against his aide Rick Jacobs.&nbsp;

The appointment of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as the United States ambassador to India was originally announced by President Joe Biden in May 2021, according to news organisation Axios.

Garcetti, 50, served as co-chair of Biden's election campaign and is still one of the President's most significant political allies. He was supposed to be a member of Biden's cabinet, but the scandal surrounding Rick Jacobs is alleged to have derailed those plans, as per AFP reports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-makes-big-claim-on-covid-19-demands-aid-cut-to-communist-china-566630">Nikki Haley makes big claim on COVID-19, demands aid cut to 'communist' China</a>

Subsequently, American political circles perceived the potential selection of Garcetti, the mayor of the country's second-largest city by population (after New York City), as India's ambassador as a reward for one of the president's steadfast political allies.

Garcetti, who had three years prior given the idea of running for president some thought, backed Biden for the 2020 Democratic candidature on January 9, 2020. The selection committee to choose the presumed Democratic nominee's running mate picked Garcetti at the end of April of last year.

He was named as a candidate for the Biden Administration's position of secretary of transportation in November 2020. Black Lives Matter organised large-scale demonstrations against the nomination in Los Angeles, and Mayor Garcetti revealed that he had declined a job offer from Vice President-elect Biden without going into further detail, as reported by the&nbsp;Indian Express.

In March 2017, Garcetti was re-elected mayor for a five-and-a-half-year term. The election to choose his successor was set to take place in the fall of 2022. He is only permitted to serve two terms in office per local legislation. Los Angeles' mayor at the moment is a Democrat named Karen Bass.

<h2>The controversy surrounding Garcetti</h2>

A former bodyguard, Matthew Garza, filed a sexual harassment case against Jacobs that damaged Garcetti's chances for a Cabinet position before and the ambassadorial position currently.

While Garcetti was the mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 until 2022, Jacobs was his aide. According to reports, Jacobs gave people unsolicited hugs, massages, and lewd sex banter, as reported by the Week.

Further claims against Jacobs surfaced in various press reports and deposition testimony, after which more people have come forward to level similar charges against him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/in-the-us-yet-more-evidence-of-growing-indian-american-clout-566629">In the US, yet more evidence of growing Indian-American clout</a>

Garcetti has said that he was unaware of Jacobs' sexual misconduct and has testified under oath in front of the Senate to this effect. It was "extremely unlikely," according to a report written by Republican Senator Charles E. Grassley in May 2022, that Garcetti was oblivious of the aide's allegedly inappropriate behaviour.

The White House, however, stated that President Joe Biden backs Garcetti. “This partisan report was a hit job from the beginning, and many of the claims have already been conclusively debunked by more serious independent reports,” the White House said.&nbsp;

<h2>Marco Rubio's stance</h2>

Republican US Senator Marco Rubio stated last week that he would also impose a hold on Garcetti due to the latter's ignorance of credible sexual assault allegations in his prior office, as reported by the Indian Express.

“I will not turn a blind eye to these absurd nominations, which will hasten America’s decline,” Rubio said in a statement on Friday. Rubio’s move will be another hurdle for Garcetti’s nomination, which had lapsed last year.

<h2>What next ?</h2>

The Senate's failure to appoint Biden's nominee for the position, Garcetti, has resulted in the vacancy in the position of US ambassador to India lasting for over two years.

Analysts have previously noted that the record-long vacancy occurs as US-India ties enter their "most critical phase," and that from America's standpoint, a long-term vision of the strategic partnership was needed, as reported by the Print.&nbsp;

It also appears doubtful that Biden will withdraw Garcetti's nomination and propose a different candidate. The White House stated that Garcetti's nomination was a "priority" on December 15 and that it will continue to support him. This was one week after Democrats gained a majority in the Senate, the Print reported.&nbsp;

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Eric Garcetti's candidature is expected to be heard on Tuesday (February 28) by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, more than a year after he was initially considered as a potential American ambassador to India in 2021.

Eric Garcetti's candidature is expected to be heard on Tuesday (February 28) by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, more than a year after he was initially considered as a potential American ambassador to India in 2021. Garcetti, who was put forth by US President Joseph Biden to serve as ambassador to India, suffered yet another setback when a prominent Republican Senator put a hold on his confirmation, citing him as one of several "questionable" nominees. Six additional nominations were also put on hold by Senator Marco Rubio, including that of Richard Verma, a former US ambassador to India, just days prior to a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was set for Tuesday. The confirmation procedures for Garcetti, Verma, and others would have to be postponed indefinitely until the problem is fixed, even though the Committee hearing may still go on, as reported by the Indian Express. Biden and Garcetti: Political allies In July 2021, Garcetti was named as the White House's choice for India, but his appointment was delayed due to charges of sexual harassment against his aide Rick Jacobs. The appointment of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as the United States ambassador to India was originally announced by President Joe Biden in May 2021, according to news organisation Axios. Garcetti, 50, served as co-chair of Biden's election campaign and is still one of the President's most significant political allies. He was supposed to be a member of Biden's cabinet, but the scandal surrounding Rick Jacobs is alleged to have derailed those plans, as per AFP reports. ALSO READ | Nikki Haley makes big claim on COVID-19, demands aid cut to 'communist' China Subsequently, American political circles perceived the potential selection of Garcetti, the mayor of the country's second-largest city by population (after New York City), as India's ambassador as a reward for one of the president's steadfast political allies. Garcetti, who had three years prior given the idea of running for president some thought, backed Biden for the 2020 Democratic candidature on January 9, 2020. The selection committee to choose the presumed Democratic nominee's running mate picked Garcetti at the end of April of last year. He was named as a candidate for the Biden Administration's position of secretary of transportation in November 2020. Black Lives Matter organised large-scale demonstrations against the nomination in Los Angeles, and Mayor Garcetti revealed that he had declined a job offer from Vice President-elect Biden without going into further detail, as reported by the Indian Express. In March 2017, Garcetti was re-elected mayor for a five-and-a-half-year term. The election to choose his successor was set to take place in the fall of 2022. He is only permitted to serve two terms in office per local legislation. Los Angeles' mayor at the moment is a Democrat named Karen Bass. The controversy surrounding Garcetti A former bodyguard, Matthew Garza, filed a sexual harassment case against Jacobs that damaged Garcetti's chances for a Cabinet position before and the ambassadorial position currently. While Garcetti was the mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 until 2022, Jacobs was his aide. According to reports, Jacobs gave people unsolicited hugs, massages, and lewd sex banter, as reported by the Week. Further claims against Jacobs surfaced in various press reports and deposition testimony, after which more people have come forward to level similar charges against him. ALSO READ | In the US, yet more evidence of growing Indian-American clout Garcetti has said that he was unaware of Jacobs' sexual misconduct and has testified under oath in front of the Senate to this effect. It was "extremely unlikely," according to a report written by Republican Senator Charles E. Grassley in May 2022, that Garcetti was oblivious of the aide's allegedly inappropriate behaviour. The White House, however, stated that President Joe Biden backs Garcetti. “This partisan report was a hit job from the beginning, and many of the claims have already been conclusively debunked by more serious independent reports,” the White House said. Marco Rubio's stance Republican US Senator Marco Rubio stated last week that he would also impose a hold on Garcetti due to the latter's ignorance of credible sexual assault allegations in his prior office, as reported by the Indian Express. “I will not turn a blind eye to these absurd nominations, which will hasten America’s decline,” Rubio said in a statement on Friday. Rubio’s move will be another hurdle for Garcetti’s nomination, which had lapsed last year. What next ? The Senate's failure to appoint Biden's nominee for the position, Garcetti, has resulted in the vacancy in the position of US ambassador to India lasting for over two years. Analysts have previously noted that the record-long vacancy occurs as US-India ties enter their "most critical phase," and that from America's standpoint, a long-term vision of the strategic partnership was needed, as reported by the Print. It also appears doubtful that Biden will withdraw Garcetti's nomination and propose a different candidate. The White House stated that Garcetti's nomination was a "priority" on December 15 and that it will continue to support him. This was one week after Democrats gained a majority in the Senate, the Print reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | What is the controversy surrounding Eric Garcetti? Biden's pick for US envoy to India

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday renominated former Los Angeles mayor and ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti as the new congressional session began. Despite the controversies surrounding his name, Garcetti has been Biden's preferred choice to serve as the ambassador to India.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday renominated former Los Angeles mayor and ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti as the new congressional session began. Despite the controversies surrounding his name, Garcetti has been Biden's preferred choice to serve as the ambassador to India. Garcetti's name was first proposed in July 2021, a few months after Biden took over the office. However, since then, Garcetti has not been able to receive approval from the US Senate, primarily due to a sexual harassment controversy. Garcetti has been accused of turning a blind eye towards misconduct by a top aide in his mayor's office. A claim that he has repeatedly denied being aware of. Read more: Who is Eric Michael Garcetti, the next US ambassador to India? Here's what you should know Notably, it was Republican Senator Chuck Grassley that blocked Garcetti's confirmation initially but later the Democrats remained non-committal citing the lack of votes. However, with the Democrats gaining an advantage in the Senate after the November midterm elections, hopes have rekindled that Garcetti will earn his confirmation soon. The Biden administration's renomination of 85 of the 175 candidates that could not receive the nod in the last congressional session also pointed to a sense of urgency that had been missing for some time now. Ever since Kenneth Juster's departure as the US ambassador to India in January 2021, Washington has appointed six interim envoys. WATCH | US ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti: Will actively raise Human Rights issue × The bilateral relations between the two countries are at a crucial juncture. The absence of a full-time envoy can have a negative impact as the ambassador acts as a bridge between the top hierarchy of the two countries during critical periods. Usually, the absence of an ambassador is seen as a downgrade in ties. Countries often show displeasure over policy issues to foreign nations by recalling their envoys. However, with India playing a pivotal part in the region and on the global map, the US cannot afford to have any high-ranking officer in the Roosevelt House. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Garcetti renominated by Biden. Will India finally receive its US envoy after two years?

US President Joe Biden has renominated Eric Garcetti, the former Mayor of Los Angeles, as his envoy to India, with the White House exuding confidence that he would be confirmed by the United States Senate this time.

WION Dispatch: Biden renominates Eric Garcetti as US envoy to India

Joe Biden's pick for U.S. envoy to India Eric Garcetti says he 'will actively raise human rights issue'. Garcetti's own record as Mayor of Los Angeles is abysmal. He's not a seasoned diplomat either. Palki Sharma asks: Is the selection based on merit or his closeness to President Biden?

Gravitas: US ambassador-designate to India will 'actively raise human rights issue'

Eric Michael Garcetti was nominated by US President Joe Biden to become the next ambassador to India. Here is what you should know about him.

Who is &nbsp;Eric Michael Garcetti?

Eric Michael Garcetti, 50, is currently the mayor of Los Angeles. He was elected as Los Angeles mayor in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017.

Garcetti is the fourth-generation Angeleno and son of public servants. According to the mayor's official site, he is the "grandson and great-grandson of immigrants from Mexico and eastern Europe".

Garcetti has served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He had done his BA and MA from Columbia University and studied as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and also studied at the London School of Economics. &nbsp;

He has taught at the University of Southern California and Occidental College. The Los Angles mayor is married to Amy Elaine Wakeland and they have a daughter named Maya. He is a&nbsp;jazz pianist and photographer.

Views on India: 'Defend its sovereignty and deter aggression'

The experienced Democrat told US lawmakers during the confirmation hearing that, "India is situated in a tough neighbourhood. If confirmed, I intend to double down on our efforts to strengthen India's capacity to secure its borders, defend its sovereignty and deter aggression."

Garcetti will take over as India chief at the US embassy as the Biden administration battles China on several fronts especially in the Indo-Pacific.

During the confirmation hearing, Garcetti emphasised he will push for the "diversification" of India's weapons system as the country&nbsp;gets set to acquire the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

"I don't want to prejudge the secretary's decision about sanctions or a waiver. And I do want to tell the chairman, ranking member and all the members,&nbsp;I do fully support the law of the land, the implementation of CAATSA as law here and part of that is the waiver provision," Garcetti told lawmakers.

The new Indian ambassador also told lawmakers that he would work towards strengthening defence partnership with India

"I think it is one of the great success stories of the last few decades from zero to $20 billion in procurement, the intelligence sharing that we have, the interoperability, the exercises, the maritime work that we're doing," he said told lawmakers.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Eric Michael Garcetti was nominated by US President Joe Biden to become the next ambassador to India. Here is what you should know about him. Who is Eric Michael Garcetti?

Eric Michael Garcetti was nominated by US President Joe Biden to become the next ambassador to India. Here is what you should know about him. Who is Eric Michael Garcetti? Eric Michael Garcetti, 50, is currently the mayor of Los Angeles. He was elected as Los Angeles mayor in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017. Garcetti is the fourth-generation Angeleno and son of public servants. According to the mayor's official site, he is the "grandson and great-grandson of immigrants from Mexico and eastern Europe". Garcetti has served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He had done his BA and MA from Columbia University and studied as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and also studied at the London School of Economics. He has taught at the University of Southern California and Occidental College. The Los Angles mayor is married to Amy Elaine Wakeland and they have a daughter named Maya. He is a jazz pianist and photographer. Views on India: 'Defend its sovereignty and deter aggression' The experienced Democrat told US lawmakers during the confirmation hearing that, "India is situated in a tough neighbourhood. If confirmed, I intend to double down on our efforts to strengthen India's capacity to secure its borders, defend its sovereignty and deter aggression." Garcetti will take over as India chief at the US embassy as the Biden administration battles China on several fronts especially in the Indo-Pacific. During the confirmation hearing, Garcetti emphasised he will push for the "diversification" of India's weapons system as the country gets set to acquire the Russian S-400 missile defence system. "I don't want to prejudge the secretary's decision about sanctions or a waiver. And I do want to tell the chairman, ranking member and all the members, I do fully support the law of the land, the implementation of CAATSA as law here and part of that is the waiver provision," Garcetti told lawmakers. The new Indian ambassador also told lawmakers that he would work towards strengthening defence partnership with India "I think it is one of the great success stories of the last few decades from zero to $20 billion in procurement, the intelligence sharing that we have, the interoperability, the exercises, the maritime work that we're doing," he said told lawmakers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Who is Eric Michael Garcetti, the next US ambassador to India? Here's what you should know

Joe Biden's pick for new U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti is embroiled in controversies back home. On Thursday, protesters vandalised his Los Angeles residence. Why?

Gravitas: Meet Eric Garcetti: America's New Ambassador to India

United States President Joe Biden has nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to be the US ambassador to India. watch this report to know more.

US President Joe Biden nominates Eric Garcetti to be US ambassador to India

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is in talks with the Biden administration about becoming US ambassador to India.

Garcetti was widely rumoured to be in the running for President Biden’s pick for Transportation secretary before Pete Buttigieg was nominated. He is said to be eager to land a new role after serving as mayor of Los Angeles since 2013.

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti served as co-chair of US president Joe Biden's campaign and said in December that he turned down an unspecified position in the administration to remain in his current post. He might now be posted as Ambassador to India.

US president Joe Biden is considering naming Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India.

According to the news site Axios, which cited people close to the matter, Garcetti is one of many people being considered for the post.

Garcetti served as co-chair of Biden's campaign and said in December that he turned down an unspecified position in the administration to remain Los Angeles mayor.

The appointment as India's ambassador would come as the nation of 1.36 billion people deals with a spike in Covid-19 cases, reported Axios.

Axios reported that Biden was presented with a list of potential ambassadors in March, and a final decision on the appointment has not yet been made.&nbsp;

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is in talks with the Biden administration about becoming US ambassador to India. Garcetti was widely rumoured to be in the running for President Biden’s pick for Transportation secretary before Pete Buttigieg was nominated.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is in talks with the Biden administration about becoming US ambassador to India. Garcetti was widely rumoured to be in the running for President Biden’s pick for Transportation secretary before Pete Buttigieg was nominated. He is said to be eager to land a new role after serving as mayor of Los Angeles since 2013. Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti served as co-chair of US president Joe Biden's campaign and said in December that he turned down an unspecified position in the administration to remain in his current post. He might now be posted as Ambassador to India. US president Joe Biden is considering naming Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti as Ambassador to India. According to the news site Axios, which cited people close to the matter, Garcetti is one of many people being considered for the post. Garcetti served as co-chair of Biden's campaign and said in December that he turned down an unspecified position in the administration to remain Los Angeles mayor. The appointment as India's ambassador would come as the nation of 1.36 billion people deals with a spike in Covid-19 cases, reported Axios. Axios reported that Biden was presented with a list of potential ambassadors in March, and a final decision on the appointment has not yet been made.

US President considering naming Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as next US Ambassador to India: Report

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