US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 22) nominated his close political aide Sergio Gor as ambassador to India, placing one of his most trusted political enforcers in a key diplomatic post at a tense moment in Washington-New Delhi ties. In a Truth Social post, Trump, while announcing the appointment, said, "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador". He added that Gor, who was once labelled a 'snake' by Trump's former DOGE chief Elon Musk, would also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asia. Who is Gor? Why did Musk call him a 'snake'? Here's all you need to know.<h2>Who is Sergio Gor?</h2>Sergio Gor has been serving as Trump's White House Director of Presidential Personnel for the past few months. 38-year-old Gor, as per AFP, rose quickly in conservative circles to become one of the most powerful, if low-profile, aides in the White House. As White House personnel chief, he vetted around 4,0000 appointees to ensure loyalty to Trump, a role that won him both allies and enemies. A high-profile name on his enemies list is X owner Elon Musk, who, as mentioned above, once called him a 'snake'.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-picks-loyal-aide-musk-enemy-sergio-gor-as-us-ambassador-to-india-calls-him-incredible-envoy-1755910479653">Trump loyalist, Musk enemy, Sergio Gor nominated as US ambassador to India</a>As per the AFP report, despite his clout, Gor has little experience in foreign policy. His exposure to foreign policy affairs has been limited to joining Trump's overseas trips and purging National Security Council officials viewed with suspicion.Despite that, Trump on Truth Social wrote that "For the most populous Region in the World" he wanted "someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN." Calling Gor "a great friend, who has been at my side for many years," he added, "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador".<h2>Gor's political career</h2>Born in Soviet Uzbekistan, Gor moved to Malta as a child before emigrating to the United States. He built a career in Republican politics, working with Senator Rand Paul and later as a fundraiser and book publisher for Trump. He also moonlighted as a wedding DJ before becoming a key gatekeeper in the Trump administration.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-satanic-trump-white-house-portrait-sets-internet-on-fire-netizens-call-it-his-most-honest-image-yet-compare-potus-to-hitler-1755752441076">‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler</a>Trump, in his post, revealed that Gor worked on his Presidential Campaigns, published the Republican's "Best Selling Books", and also ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement. He added that "Sergio's role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People."

<h2>Why did Musk label Sergio a 'snake'?</h2>According to reports, the enmity between the two men stems from Gor's choice for NASA chief. The new US ambassador to India had apparently blocked the world's richest man's preferred pick - Jared Isaacman- to head NASA.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-vs-history-potus-tells-museums-to-stop-saying-how-bad-slavery-was-slams-woke-ness-in-bizarre-truth-social-rant-1755678553258">Trump vs history: POTUS tells museums to stop saying 'how bad Slavery was,' slams 'WOKE-ness' in bizarre rant</a>In June 2025, Musk on X, called Gor a "snake" replying to a New York Post report claiming that Gor, who was in charge of overseeing the vetting for thousands of executive-branch employees, had not completed his own background security clearance paperwork for a permanent security clearance. The claims were refuted by White House.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">He’s a snake&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1935531784978186276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If confirmed, Gor would follow a line of high-profile US envoys to India, including economist John Kenneth Galbraith and social scientist Daniel Patrick Moynihan. President Joe Biden’s choice, Eric Garcetti, was a former Los Angeles mayor who studied Hindi and Urdu in his youth.

Who is Sergio Gor? Donald Trump aide, once dubbed 'snake' by Elon Musk, nominated as US ambassador to India. His qualifications for the post, why the world's richest man called him a 'snake' and more – here's all you need to know.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 22) nominated his close political aide Sergio Gor as ambassador to India, placing one of his most trusted political enforcers in a key diplomatic post at a tense moment in Washington-New Delhi ties. In a Truth Social post, Trump, while announcing the appointment, said, "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador". He added that Gor, who was once labelled a 'snake' by Trump's former DOGE chief Elon Musk, would also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asia. Who is Gor? Why did Musk call him a 'snake'? Here's all you need to know. Who is Sergio Gor? Sergio Gor has been serving as Trump's White House Director of Presidential Personnel for the past few months. 38-year-old Gor, as per AFP, rose quickly in conservative circles to become one of the most powerful, if low-profile, aides in the White House. As White House personnel chief, he vetted around 4,0000 appointees to ensure loyalty to Trump, a role that won him both allies and enemies. A high-profile name on his enemies list is X owner Elon Musk, who, as mentioned above, once called him a 'snake'. Also read | Trump loyalist, Musk enemy, Sergio Gor nominated as US ambassador to India As per the AFP report, despite his clout, Gor has little experience in foreign policy. His exposure to foreign policy affairs has been limited to joining Trump's overseas trips and purging National Security Council officials viewed with suspicion. Despite that, Trump on Truth Social wrote that "For the most populous Region in the World" he wanted "someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN." Calling Gor "a great friend, who has been at my side for many years," he added, "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador". Gor's political career Born in Soviet Uzbekistan, Gor moved to Malta as a child before emigrating to the United States. He built a career in Republican politics, working with Senator Rand Paul and later as a fundraiser and book publisher for Trump. He also moonlighted as a wedding DJ before becoming a key gatekeeper in the Trump administration. Also read | ‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler Trump, in his post, revealed that Gor worked on his Presidential Campaigns, published the Republican's "Best Selling Books", and also ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement. He added that "Sergio's role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People."

Who is Sergio Gor? Donald Trump aide, once dubbed 'snake' by Elon Musk, nominated as US ambassador to India. His qualifications for the post, why the world's richest man called him a 'snake' and more – here's all you need to know.

Who is Sergio Gor? Trump loyalist once dubbed 'snake' by Musk, to be US envoy to India. All you need to know about him

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 22) nominated close political aide Sergio Gor as ambassador to India, placing one of his most trusted enforcers in a key diplomatic post at a sensitive moment in Washington-New Delhi ties. "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador," Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the appointment, adding that Gor would also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asia. Gor, who has little experience in foreign policy, was once branded "snake" by ex-DOGE chief Elon Musk. The move comes amid friction between the US and India. Trump has ramped up tariffs on New Delhi in a bid to pressure it over Russian energy imports, even as India deepens ties with Moscow and Beijing.<h2>Who is Sergio Gor?</h2>The 38-year-old Gor, as per AFP, rose swiftly in conservative circles to become one of the most influential but low-profile figures in Trump's orbit. As White House personnel chief, he vetted around 4,0000 appointees to ensure loyalty to Trump, a role that won him both allies and fierce critics. Among his enemies' list features Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who once branded him a "snake" after Gor blocked the billionaire's preferred pick to head NASA.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-satanic-trump-white-house-portrait-sets-internet-on-fire-netizens-call-it-his-most-honest-image-yet-compare-potus-to-hitler-1755752441076">‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler</a>Despite his clout, Gor has little experience in foreign policy. His exposure has been limited to joining Trump's overseas trips and purging National Security Council officials viewed with suspicion.Still, Trump wrote on Truth Social that "For the most populous Region in the World" he wanted "someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN." He said, "Sergio is a great friend, who has been at my side for many years. He worked on my Historic Presidential Campaigns, published my Best Selling Books, and ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement. Sergio’s role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-vs-history-potus-tells-museums-to-stop-saying-how-bad-slavery-was-slams-woke-ness-in-bizarre-truth-social-rant-1755678553258">Trump vs history: POTUS tells museums to stop saying 'how bad Slavery was,' slams 'WOKE-ness' in bizarre rant</a><h2>US-India tensions</h2>Gor's appointment comes on the heels of Trump's decision to ramp up tariffs on New Delhi in a bid to pressure it over Russian energy imports. Washington has long viewed India as a counterbalance to China. The recent tensions can also be credited to Trump's insistence that he helped broker peace between India and Pakistan after they were embroiled in a brief conflict in May. However, New Delhi has denied outside mediation — especially Trump's suggestion he was behind the ceasefire with Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Aug 22) nominated close political aide Sergio Gor as ambassador to India, placing one of his most trusted enforcers in a key diplomatic post at a sensitive moment in Washington-New Delhi ties. "Sergio will make an incredible Ambassador," Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the appointment, adding that Gor would also serve as special envoy for South and Central Asia. Gor, who has little experience in foreign policy, was once branded "snake" by ex-DOGE chief Elon Musk. The move comes amid friction between the US and India. Trump has ramped up tariffs on New Delhi in a bid to pressure it over Russian energy imports, even as India deepens ties with Moscow and Beijing. Who is Sergio Gor? The 38-year-old Gor, as per AFP, rose swiftly in conservative circles to become one of the most influential but low-profile figures in Trump's orbit. As White House personnel chief, he vetted around 4,0000 appointees to ensure loyalty to Trump, a role that won him both allies and fierce critics. Among his enemies' list features Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who once branded him a "snake" after Gor blocked the billionaire's preferred pick to head NASA. Also read | ‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler Despite his clout, Gor has little experience in foreign policy. His exposure has been limited to joining Trump's overseas trips and purging National Security Council officials viewed with suspicion. Still, Trump wrote on Truth Social that "For the most populous Region in the World" he wanted "someone I can fully trust to deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN." He said, "Sergio is a great friend, who has been at my side for many years. He worked on my Historic Presidential Campaigns, published my Best Selling Books, and ran one of the biggest Super PACs, which supported our Movement. Sergio’s role as Director of Presidential Personnel has been essential to delivering on the unprecedented Mandate that we received from the American People."

Trump has nominated close aide Sergio Gor as US ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia, calling him a trusted enforcer. The move comes amid strained ties as Washington pressures New Delhi over Russian energy imports and its growing links with Moscow and Beijing.

Trump loyalist, Musk enemy Sergio Gor nominated as US ambassador to India

The outgoing US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has expressed confidence on growing India US ties, & that American side is committed to GE deal. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, on extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman involved in 26/11 terror attack, Garcetti said, "we will see justice serviced". He spoke on India importing Russian energy, Bangladesh, his legacy. On his legacy he said,'I have been working hard to the very end' pointing, visa wait time has reduced. Watch in for more insights!

US ambassador Eric Garcetti speaks to WION | Exclusive Interview

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said that 'anything is on the table'&nbsp;when asked to comment about a report mentioning that a US committee has recommended India's name to be included in the&nbsp;West-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Speaking to WION exclusively on Tuesday, the US envoy said that it was up to New Delhi to decide whether it wants to join the military alliance, asserting that the Asian country is one of Washington’s closest allies. He said&nbsp;that regardless of India's decision, New Delhi and Washington will remain united together.

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“Anything is on the table. It's up to India to decide what makes the best sense for them,” Garcetti told WION.

“We have deepened our defence cooperation, unimaginable some 30 to 40 years ago. (We are) Leaning in further with India than some of our closest allies to make it safe.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I know one thing, whether it's the Quad or the Indo-Pacific, we are united together,” he added.

<h2>Eric Garcetti on India-US relations and PM Modi's June visit to the US</h2>

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When asked about the different stances taken by India and US with regard to the Ukraine situation, Garcetti said, “I know India knows about borders and sovereignty. It has affected India in economic terms. We will continue talking.”

<h2 dir="ltr">US committee on India’s inclusion</h2>

The talk about including India in the 30-member military alliance gained prominence following a recommendation by the United States Congressional Committee on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) to add New Delhi as a member.

The recommendation comes a month before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the US. The suggestion was made to win the “strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party”.

“Winning the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring the security of Taiwan demands the United States strengthen ties with our allies and security partners, including India. By including India in Nato Plus, security arrangements would build upon the US and India’s close partnership to strengthen global security and deter the aggression of the CCP across the Indo-Pacific region,” stated the Select Committee in the recommendations released on Wednesday.

The committee is headed by chairman Mike Gallagher along with ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi. 
 
&nbsp;

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US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said that 'anything is on the table' when asked to comment about a report mentioning that a US committee has recommended India's name to be included in the West-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has said that 'anything is on the table' when asked to comment about a report mentioning that a US committee has recommended India's name to be included in the West-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Speaking to WION exclusively on Tuesday, the US envoy said that it was up to New Delhi to decide whether it wants to join the military alliance, asserting that the Asian country is one of Washington’s closest allies. He said that regardless of India's decision, New Delhi and Washington will remain united together. “Anything is on the table. It's up to India to decide what makes the best sense for them,” Garcetti told WION. “We have deepened our defence cooperation, unimaginable some 30 to 40 years ago. (We are) Leaning in further with India than some of our closest allies to make it safe.” “I know one thing, whether it's the Quad or the Indo-Pacific, we are united together,” he added. Eric Garcetti on India-US relations and PM Modi's June visit to the US When asked about the different stances taken by India and US with regard to the Ukraine situation, Garcetti said, “I know India knows about borders and sovereignty. It has affected India in economic terms. We will continue talking.” US committee on India’s inclusion The talk about including India in the 30-member military alliance gained prominence following a recommendation by the United States Congressional Committee on CCP (Chinese Communist Party) to add New Delhi as a member. The recommendation comes a month before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the US. The suggestion was made to win the “strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party”. “Winning the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring the security of Taiwan demands the United States strengthen ties with our allies and security partners, including India. By including India in Nato Plus, security arrangements would build upon the US and India’s close partnership to strengthen global security and deter the aggression of the CCP across the Indo-Pacific region,” stated the Select Committee in the recommendations released on Wednesday. The committee is headed by chairman Mike Gallagher along with ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Anything is on the table’: US envoy Eric Garcetti to WION on India’s chances of joining NATO Plus

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.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-blake-johnston-australian-man-who-went-on-record-breaking-surfing-for-more-than-30-hours-572956">Who is Blake Johnston? Australian man who went on record-breaking surfing for more than 30 HOURS</a>

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

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’s nominee for envoy to India, Eric Michael Garcetti, has vowed to double-down America’s efforts to strengthen “India’s capacity to secure its borders and defend its sovereignty” while noting that New Delhi is situated in a “tough neighbourhood”.

His comments came during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following the confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to India.

“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 and deter aggression through counterterrorism coordination,” the envoy-desginate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uae-us-and-israel-west-asian-quad-meet-in-next-few-weeks-eam-jaishankar-429130">India, UAE, US and Israel 'West Asian Quad' meet in next few weeks: EAM Jaishankar</a>

Garcetti said he will make efforts “through information sharing, counterterrorism coordination, joint freedom of navigation patrols and military exercises (which I have participated in as a naval officer alongside my Indian counterparts), and sales of our best defence technologies in order to realise the full potential of our major defence partnership.”

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1470947689789472768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He said he will work closely with India to support a similarly bold approach to promoting green energy through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and through the Agenda 2030 Climate and Clean Energy Partnership.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-ties-22-meet-in-december-us-congressional-delegation-meets-pm-modi-429103">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-ties-22-meet-in-december-us-congressional-delegation-meets-pm-modi-429103">India, US ties: 2+2 meet in December; US Congressional delegation meets PM Modi</a>

“The bedrock of our partnership are the human ties that connect our nations, embodied by the four million strong Indian-American diaspora that strengthens our nation and the nearly two hundred thousand Indian students and tens of thousands of Indian professionals who contribute to our economy,” Garcetti said.

Garcetti, 50, who is currently serving as the Mayor of Los Angeles, is touted to be the personal confidant of Biden.

Garcetti was named India’s next ambassador by Biden in June.

During the hearing, several senators asked Garcetti how he would work to address the India-Russia relationship, as New Delhi’s 70 per cent of Indian defence inventory is dominated by Moscow.

"If confirmed, though, I would advocate following the continued diversification of India's weapon system, the threats to our own weapon systems if that diversification doesn't occur, because we have to protect our data and our systems and work towards really growing this Major Defence Partnership," Garcetti said in his testimony.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden’s nominee for envoy to India, Eric Michael Garcetti, has vowed to double-down America’s efforts to strengthen “India’s capacity to secure its borders and defend its sovereignty” while noting that New Delhi is situated in a “tough neighbourhood”.

US President Joe Biden’s nominee for envoy to India, Eric Michael Garcetti, has vowed to double-down America’s efforts to strengthen “India’s capacity to secure its borders and defend its sovereignty” while noting that New Delhi is situated in a “tough neighbourhood”. His comments came during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following the confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to India. “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 and deter aggression through counterterrorism coordination,” the envoy-desginate. Also read | India, UAE, US and Israel 'West Asian Quad' meet in next few weeks: EAM Jaishankar Garcetti said he will make efforts “through information sharing, counterterrorism coordination, joint freedom of navigation patrols and military exercises (which I have participated in as a naval officer alongside my Indian counterparts), and sales of our best defence technologies in order to realise the full potential of our major defence partnership.” #WATCH | India is situated in a tough neighborhood.If confirmed, I intend to double-down on our efforts to strengthen India’s capacity to secure its borders and deter aggression through counterterrorism coordination: Eric Garcetti on his nomination as US Envoy to India pic.twitter.com/JqfFDoE6iV — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2021 × He said he will work closely with India to support a similarly bold approach to promoting green energy through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and through the Agenda 2030 Climate and Clean Energy Partnership. Also read | India, US ties: 2+2 meet in December; US Congressional delegation meets PM Modi “The bedrock of our partnership are the human ties that connect our nations, embodied by the four million strong Indian-American diaspora that strengthens our nation and the nearly two hundred thousand Indian students and tens of thousands of Indian professionals who contribute to our economy,” Garcetti said. Garcetti, 50, who is currently serving as the Mayor of Los Angeles, is touted to be the personal confidant of Biden. Garcetti was named India’s next ambassador by Biden in June. During the hearing, several senators asked Garcetti how he would work to address the India-Russia relationship, as New Delhi’s 70 per cent of Indian defence inventory is dominated by Moscow. "If confirmed, though, I would advocate following the continued diversification of India's weapon system, the threats to our own weapon systems if that diversification doesn't occur, because we have to protect our data and our systems and work towards really growing this Major Defence Partnership," Garcetti said in his testimony. (With inputs from agencies)

India in a tough neighbourhood, will help secure its borders, says Biden’s envoy pick Garcetti

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was nominated by US President Joe Biden as the country's ambassador to India, has said that he is honoured to accept the nomination and will bring the same energy, commitment and love with which he served the city to his new role.

If confirmed by the Senate, Garcetti, 50, would replace Kenneth Juster, who served as the US Ambassador to India during the Trump administration. 
Earlier this week, Mr Juster was appointed as distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"Today, the President announced that I am his nominee to serve as US Ambassador to India. I am honoured to accept his nomination to serve in this role," Mr Garcetti said in a statement on Friday soon after Biden announced his nomination.

Announcing the nomination along with several other ambassadors, the White House said Eric M. Garcetti has been the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles since 2013, following 12 years as a member of the City Council, including six as Council President. Biden also nominated Denise Campbell Bauer as his envoy to Monaco; Peter D. Haas to Bangladesh; and Bernadette M. Meehan as his top diplomat to Chile.

"I love Los Angeles and will always be an Angeleno. I want you to know that every day I am your Mayor, I will continue to lead this city like it is my first day on the job, with passion, focus, and determination," Mr Garcetti said in a statement.

"I have committed my life to service -- as an activist, as a teacher, as a naval officer, as a public servant, and if confirmed, next as an ambassador. Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call," he said.

"And should I be confirmed, I'll bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles," Mr Garcetti said.

As Mayor, Mr Garcetti oversees the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, the largest municipal utility in the country, and one of the busiest airports in the world. He led the city's successful bid to return the summer Olympic Games to American soil for the first time in three decades.

He currently chairs LA Metro, the country's second-busiest transit agency, which is building or extending 15 new transit lines, and shifting to an all-electric fleet. 
Mr Garcetti co-founded Climate Mayors and led more than 400 US mayors to adopt the Paris Climate agreement. He is the current Chair of C40 Cities - a network of 97 of the world''s biggest cities taking bold climate action and has led the organisation''s engagement and expansion in India as well as C40's global response to the COVID pandemic through the sharing of best practices and resources.

During 12 years as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve Component, Garcetti served under the Commander, US Pacific Fleet and the Defence Intelligence Agency, retiring in 2017 as a Lieutenant.

A Rhodes Scholar, he studied at Queen's College, Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr Garcetti was selected as an inaugural Asia 21 Fellow of the Asia Society, and taught at Occidental College's Department of Diplomacy and World Affairs, as well as at the University of Southern California's School of International Relations.

"He has lived and conducted field work on nationalism, ethnicity, and human rights in Southeast Asia and Northeast Africa. He is the founding Chair of the Latino Alliance of Mayors at the US Conference of Mayors, serves on the Board of National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and speaks fluent Spanish," the White House said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was nominated by US President Joe Biden as the country's ambassador to India, has said that he is honoured to accept the nomination and will bring the same energy, commitment and love with which he served the city to his new role.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was nominated by US President Joe Biden as the country's ambassador to India, has said that he is honoured to accept the nomination and will bring the same energy, commitment and love with which he served the city to his new role. If confirmed by the Senate, Garcetti, 50, would replace Kenneth Juster, who served as the US Ambassador to India during the Trump administration. Earlier this week, Mr Juster was appointed as distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. "Today, the President announced that I am his nominee to serve as US Ambassador to India. I am honoured to accept his nomination to serve in this role," Mr Garcetti said in a statement on Friday soon after Biden announced his nomination. Announcing the nomination along with several other ambassadors, the White House said Eric M. Garcetti has been the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles since 2013, following 12 years as a member of the City Council, including six as Council President. Biden also nominated Denise Campbell Bauer as his envoy to Monaco; Peter D. Haas to Bangladesh; and Bernadette M. Meehan as his top diplomat to Chile. "I love Los Angeles and will always be an Angeleno. I want you to know that every day I am your Mayor, I will continue to lead this city like it is my first day on the job, with passion, focus, and determination," Mr Garcetti said in a statement. "I have committed my life to service -- as an activist, as a teacher, as a naval officer, as a public servant, and if confirmed, next as an ambassador. Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call," he said. "And should I be confirmed, I'll bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles," Mr Garcetti said. As Mayor, Mr Garcetti oversees the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, the largest municipal utility in the country, and one of the busiest airports in the world. He led the city's successful bid to return the summer Olympic Games to American soil for the first time in three decades. He currently chairs LA Metro, the country's second-busiest transit agency, which is building or extending 15 new transit lines, and shifting to an all-electric fleet. Mr Garcetti co-founded Climate Mayors and led more than 400 US mayors to adopt the Paris Climate agreement. He is the current Chair of C40 Cities - a network of 97 of the world''s biggest cities taking bold climate action and has led the organisation''s engagement and expansion in India as well as C40's global response to the COVID pandemic through the sharing of best practices and resources. During 12 years as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve Component, Garcetti served under the Commander, US Pacific Fleet and the Defence Intelligence Agency, retiring in 2017 as a Lieutenant. A Rhodes Scholar, he studied at Queen's College, Oxford and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr Garcetti was selected as an inaugural Asia 21 Fellow of the Asia Society, and taught at Occidental College's Department of Diplomacy and World Affairs, as well as at the University of Southern California's School of International Relations. "He has lived and conducted field work on nationalism, ethnicity, and human rights in Southeast Asia and Northeast Africa. He is the founding Chair of the Latino Alliance of Mayors at the US Conference of Mayors, serves on the Board of National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and speaks fluent Spanish," the White House said.

‘Honoured’: Los Angeles mayor on his nomination as US ambassador to India 

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports.

Biden is expected to announce the names of political ambassadors, including for India, as soon as next week, according to a report in Axios.

President Biden, a Democrat, is also expected to announce Nicholas Burns as the ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel and Tom Nides as ambassadors to Japan and Israel respectively, the report in the American news website said on Wednesday.

Garcetti, 50, who served as the co-chair of Biden's presidential campaign, was initially considered for the Cabinet.

Garcetti is the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, after New York City.

The important position of the US envoy to India has been lying vacant since January 20.

In the absence of a full-time ambassador, Daniel Smith, the director of the Foreign Service Institute, who recently served as acting Secretary of State and Acting Deputy Secretary of State, has been sent to New Delhi to serve as Charge d'Affaires, ad interim.

However, the White House declined to comment on the nomination of Burns or Garcetti, saying no one is final until they're announced," an AP news report said.

According to the Axios report, the White House is still finishing the vetting process for potential ambassadors, including Garcetti, following which, Biden is expected to formally send more than a dozen names to the Senate to begin the confirmation process for his first batch of political ambassadors, which also include appointments for France, Italy and Canada.

The president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March, and officials are putting a premium on diversity in assembling the first batch that he'll send to the Senate, the report said.

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports.

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports. Biden is expected to announce the names of political ambassadors, including for India, as soon as next week, according to a report in Axios. President Biden, a Democrat, is also expected to announce Nicholas Burns as the ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel and Tom Nides as ambassadors to Japan and Israel respectively, the report in the American news website said on Wednesday. Garcetti, 50, who served as the co-chair of Biden's presidential campaign, was initially considered for the Cabinet. Garcetti is the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, after New York City. The important position of the US envoy to India has been lying vacant since January 20. In the absence of a full-time ambassador, Daniel Smith, the director of the Foreign Service Institute, who recently served as acting Secretary of State and Acting Deputy Secretary of State, has been sent to New Delhi to serve as Charge d'Affaires, ad interim. However, the White House declined to comment on the nomination of Burns or Garcetti, saying no one is final until they're announced," an AP news report said. According to the Axios report, the White House is still finishing the vetting process for potential ambassadors, including Garcetti, following which, Biden is expected to formally send more than a dozen names to the Senate to begin the confirmation process for his first batch of political ambassadors, which also include appointments for France, Italy and Canada. The president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March, and officials are putting a premium on diversity in assembling the first batch that he'll send to the Senate, the report said.

Biden expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as US ambassador to India: Reports

United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross who was to be in Delhi on Thursday for the India-US Commercial Dialogue &amp; CEO Forum will not be coming.

"Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight, and other logistical issues, Secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person," a statement from the US Department of Commerce said.&nbsp;

US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster will now lead the US side. Ross will participate in both meetings via video conference.&nbsp;

The Indian side will be led by Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu.&nbsp;

The India US-CEO forum was established in 2005.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between India and the US rose to about $140 billion in 2018 from $126 billion in 2017. US exports to India are growing around two-and-a-half times faster than Indian exports to the US.&nbsp;

Private Indian airlines have placed orders for around 300 Boeing aircraft which will be delivered over the next five to seven years. The orders are for around $39 billion and will create 130,000 American jobs. India has also started the import of US crude and natural gas worth $4.5 billion every year. Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts with India.&nbsp;

The dialogue takes place this year even as US President Donald Trump has been raising the issue of high tariffs by India; he has even called India "Tariff king".&nbsp;

Last month he touted how his call to India had helped bring down tariffs in "two minutes".&nbsp;

The dialogue will also take place against the backdrop of reports suggesting the US government is contemplating withdrawal of the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) to Indian exporters.&nbsp;

Industry body CII has cautioned against any such action.&nbsp;

"GSP boosts the competitiveness of American manufacturers by lowering their costs &amp; approximately two-thirds of U.S. imports under GSP are raw materials, components, or machinery and equipment used by U.S. companies to manufacture goods in the United States for domestic consumption or for export," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross who was to be in Delhi on Thursday for the India-US Commercial Dialogue & CEO Forum will not be coming. "Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight, and other logistical issues, Secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person," a statement from the US Department of Commerce said.

United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross who was to be in Delhi on Thursday for the India-US Commercial Dialogue & CEO Forum will not be coming. "Due to inclement weather, technical problems that led to the cancellation of his flight, and other logistical issues, Secretary Ross regrets he is no longer able to attend the CEO Forum and Commercial Dialogue in person," a statement from the US Department of Commerce said. US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster will now lead the US side. Ross will participate in both meetings via video conference. The Indian side will be led by Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu. The India US-CEO forum was established in 2005. Bilateral trade between India and the US rose to about $140 billion in 2018 from $126 billion in 2017. US exports to India are growing around two-and-a-half times faster than Indian exports to the US. Private Indian airlines have placed orders for around 300 Boeing aircraft which will be delivered over the next five to seven years. The orders are for around $39 billion and will create 130,000 American jobs. India has also started the import of US crude and natural gas worth $4.5 billion every year. Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts with India. The dialogue takes place this year even as US President Donald Trump has been raising the issue of high tariffs by India; he has even called India "Tariff king". Last month he touted how his call to India had helped bring down tariffs in "two minutes". The dialogue will also take place against the backdrop of reports suggesting the US government is contemplating withdrawal of the Generalised System of Preference (GSP) to Indian exporters. Industry body CII has cautioned against any such action. "GSP boosts the competitiveness of American manufacturers by lowering their costs & approximately two-thirds of U.S. imports under GSP are raw materials, components, or machinery and equipment used by U.S. companies to manufacture goods in the United States for domestic consumption or for export," it said in a statement.

India-US Commercial Dialogue: US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross not coming, will address talk via videoconference

&quot;America First&quot; and &quot;Make in India&quot; are not incompatible, US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster said in Delhi on Thursday.&nbsp;

Rather, he said, investing in each other&#39;s markets will be mutually beneficial, will increase economic interactions, and the volume of trade.&nbsp;

Juster added that a number of US companies have reported increasing difficulties in conducting business in the largest market in the region -- <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-attempting-to-tie-india-to-its-chariot-says-china-daily-20971" target="_blank">China</a> -- and that India can &quot;seize this strategic opportunity through trade and investment&quot; to become an alternative hub for US business in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

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Juster was making his inaugural policy speech on US-India relations in New Delhi.&nbsp;

India, Juster said, is a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. For India and the US, he added, the Indo-Pacific region is vital for security and prosperity of our people as well as others. Together we want to ensure a free and open region where rule of law and democratic principles are reflected.&nbsp;

Juster said Afghanistan is one example of areas of cooperation where &quot;we both have a strong interest in promoting peace, security and prosperity&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Our leaders are committed to supporting Afghanistan and helping build that country&#39;s democratic institutions,&quot; he added.

Pakistan he said is also important to the situation in Afghanistan, adding that &quot;I don&#39;t think we are going to get stability and security in Afghanistan if Pakistan does not contribute positively to that&quot;.&nbsp;

Juster added that &quot;that was really (a) major impetus in suspending security assistance to Pakistan because we feel they have not done all that they could to try to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan that are contributing to unrest in Afghanistan.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;President Trump and other US leaders have been clear that we will not tolerate cross-border terrorism or terrorist safe havens anywhere. &nbsp;As part of this effort, last month we launched the first-ever US-India Counter-Terrorism Designations Dialogue,&quot; Juster said.&nbsp;

&quot;We want to promote respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, guarantee freedom of navigation over flight and commerce and other lawful uses of the sea, ensure territorial and maritime disputes are resolved peacefully consistent with international laws,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Continuing in his America First vein but saying somewhat the opposite, Juster said the &quot;US is probably as open a country as any in the world and we probably take more immigrants per year compared to any other country. We are a country of immigrants and that has helped drive our economy, made us what we are, that is not going to change.&quot;&nbsp;

Finally, he added that the &quot;US was working with partners to secure&quot; India&#39;s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.&nbsp;

Kenneth I Juster said investing in each other's markets will be mutually beneficial, will increase economic interactions, and the volume of trade

"America First" and "Make in India" are not incompatible, US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster said in Delhi on Thursday. Rather, he said, investing in each other's markets will be mutually beneficial, will increase economic interactions, and the volume of trade. Juster added that a number of US companies have reported increasing difficulties in conducting business in the largest market in the region -- China -- and that India can "seize this strategic opportunity through trade and investment" to become an alternative hub for US business in the Indo-Pacific region. Juster said a number of US companies have reported increasing difficulties in conducting business in the largest market in the region -- China -- and that India can 'seize this strategic opportunity through trade and investment' to become an alternative hub for US business in the Indo-Pacific region × Juster was making his inaugural policy speech on US-India relations in New Delhi. India, Juster said, is a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. For India and the US, he added, the Indo-Pacific region is vital for security and prosperity of our people as well as others. Together we want to ensure a free and open region where rule of law and democratic principles are reflected. Juster said Afghanistan is one example of areas of cooperation where "we both have a strong interest in promoting peace, security and prosperity". "Our leaders are committed to supporting Afghanistan and helping build that country's democratic institutions," he added. Pakistan he said is also important to the situation in Afghanistan, adding that "I don't think we are going to get stability and security in Afghanistan if Pakistan does not contribute positively to that". Juster added that "that was really (a) major impetus in suspending security assistance to Pakistan because we feel they have not done all that they could to try to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan that are contributing to unrest in Afghanistan." "President Trump and other US leaders have been clear that we will not tolerate cross-border terrorism or terrorist safe havens anywhere. As part of this effort, last month we launched the first-ever US-India Counter-Terrorism Designations Dialogue," Juster said. "We want to promote respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, guarantee freedom of navigation over flight and commerce and other lawful uses of the sea, ensure territorial and maritime disputes are resolved peacefully consistent with international laws," he said. Continuing in his America First vein but saying somewhat the opposite, Juster said the "US is probably as open a country as any in the world and we probably take more immigrants per year compared to any other country. We are a country of immigrants and that has helped drive our economy, made us what we are, that is not going to change." Finally, he added that the "US was working with partners to secure" India's membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

'America First' and 'Make in India' not incompatible: US ambassador to India

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, who was appointed by the Obama administration will reportedly demit office before US President-elect Donald Trump&#39;s inauguration on January 20.

The 48-year-old, who is first Indian-American to to be appointed as US envoy to India, will not be given any &quot;grace period&quot; beyond Trump&#39;s inauguration day, PTI reported.

In a break from tradition, Trump&#39;s transition team has decided not to give any grace period beyond inauguration day to US envoys who are political appointees of President Barack Obama.

The unusual decision by the transition team could also mean that some of the top US embassies around the world will be left without an ambassador for months, as Trump replaces them with new appointments.

Sources told PTI that Verma will quit the post before January 20.

Verma had played a key role in the passage of the US India civil nuclear deal in the Congress and is a strong advocate of closer Indo-US ties.

The US ambassador may prolong his stay in capital New Delhi in a private capacity for a few more months so that his children can complete their current academic year, PTI reported.

Verma assumed charge as the 25th American Ambassador to India in 2015. The US has one of its largest missions in the world in India. He succeeded Nancy Powell, who resigned in March 2014 in the backdrop of a diplomatic row over the treatment meted out to Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in the US.

The former assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs is also a veteran of the US Air Force, where he served on active duty as a judge advocate.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Richard Verma, who is first Indian-American to to be appointed as US envoy to India, will not be given any 'grace period'

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, who was appointed by the Obama administration will reportedly demit office before US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. The 48-year-old, who is first Indian-American to to be appointed as US envoy to India, will not be given any "grace period" beyond Trump's inauguration day, PTI reported. In a break from tradition, Trump's transition team has decided not to give any grace period beyond inauguration day to US envoys who are political appointees of President Barack Obama. The unusual decision by the transition team could also mean that some of the top US embassies around the world will be left without an ambassador for months, as Trump replaces them with new appointments. Sources told PTI that Verma will quit the post before January 20. Verma had played a key role in the passage of the US India civil nuclear deal in the Congress and is a strong advocate of closer Indo-US ties. The US ambassador may prolong his stay in capital New Delhi in a private capacity for a few more months so that his children can complete their current academic year, PTI reported. Verma assumed charge as the 25th American Ambassador to India in 2015. The US has one of its largest missions in the world in India. He succeeded Nancy Powell, who resigned in March 2014 in the backdrop of a diplomatic row over the treatment meted out to Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in the US. The former assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs is also a veteran of the US Air Force, where he served on active duty as a judge advocate. (WION with inputs from PTI)