US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti danced to the popular song "Tauba Tauba" during Diwali celebrations at the US Embassy in Delhi on Wednesday.

He performed Bhangra on stage to the hit song from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer movie Bad Newz. Garcetti wore a brown kurta, cool shades, a red dupatta, and taupe shoes to complete his festive look.

Garcetti's moves were lauded by Vicky Kaushal as well as the actor shared the viral video on Instagram story and wrote, "Happy Diwali Eric Phaaji"

Earlier, he shared his excitement by posting an image of the embassy adorned with golden lights for Diwali. "Our Embassy is lit up and we are all set for Diwali. How are you celebrating the Festival of Lights?," he asked.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti dances to the tune of the popular Hindi song 'Tauba, Tauba' during Diwali celebrations at the embassy in Delhi 
 
(Video source: US Embassy) <a href="https://t.co/MLdLd8IDrH">pic.twitter.com/MLdLd8IDrH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1851546525975065030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The White House also sent Diwali wishes in its statement: "Happy Diwali from the White House! Together, may we show the power in the gathering of light." Garcetti expressed his excitement about the Diwali celebrations hosted by President Biden on Monday.

In a post on X, he said, "What a beautiful celebration of Diwali at the White House! As we celebrate the journey of light, we also honour the invaluable contributions of Indian Americans who deepen the US-India bond."

"From New Delhi to DC, may the light of Diwali illuminate every corner of the world and spread the message of peace and prosperity."

"The White House hosted a Diwali celebration, honouring Indian Americans' contributions to the "US-India bond." 
 
Recently, First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House on October 28, inviting Indian Americans from across the United States to attend.

This marked their final Diwali celebration as President and First Lady, adding a unique touch to the luminous tradition over the years.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti danced to the popular song "Tauba Tauba" during Diwali celebrations at the US Embassy in Delhi on Wednesday. He performed Bhangra on stage to the hit song from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer movie Bad Newz.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti danced to the popular song "Tauba Tauba" during Diwali celebrations at the US Embassy in Delhi on Wednesday. He performed Bhangra on stage to the hit song from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer movie Bad Newz. Garcetti wore a brown kurta, cool shades, a red dupatta, and taupe shoes to complete his festive look. Garcetti's moves were lauded by Vicky Kaushal as well as the actor shared the viral video on Instagram story and wrote, "Happy Diwali Eric Phaaji" Earlier, he shared his excitement by posting an image of the embassy adorned with golden lights for Diwali. "Our Embassy is lit up and we are all set for Diwali. How are you celebrating the Festival of Lights?," he asked. #WATCH | US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti dances to the tune of the popular Hindi song 'Tauba, Tauba' during Diwali celebrations at the embassy in Delhi (Video source: US Embassy) pic.twitter.com/MLdLd8IDrH — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024 × The White House also sent Diwali wishes in its statement: "Happy Diwali from the White House! Together, may we show the power in the gathering of light." Garcetti expressed his excitement about the Diwali celebrations hosted by President Biden on Monday. In a post on X, he said, "What a beautiful celebration of Diwali at the White House! As we celebrate the journey of light, we also honour the invaluable contributions of Indian Americans who deepen the US-India bond." "From New Delhi to DC, may the light of Diwali illuminate every corner of the world and spread the message of peace and prosperity." "The White House hosted a Diwali celebration, honouring Indian Americans' contributions to the "US-India bond." Recently, First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House on October 28, inviting Indian Americans from across the United States to attend. This marked their final Diwali celebration as President and First Lady, adding a unique touch to the luminous tradition over the years. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Watch: US envoy Garcetti shakes a leg on 'Tauba, Tauba' during Diwali celebrations

An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing&nbsp;allegations of sexual misconduct.

It was in 2020 when journalist and former Democratic fundraiser Yashar Ali accused Rick Jacobs, a top advisor to then-Los Angeles Mayor and the current United States envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, of sexual misconduct.

“I remember him (Jacobs) walking towards me with his two hands out and grabbing my face and kissing me forcibly on the lips — two times,” Ali reportedly said in a podcast series with NPR.

“I was frozen. It made me very, very uncomfortable. And once he did that, and I didn’t object to it, he continued. But not objecting to something is not consent. It’s just not objecting,” he said.

There are allegations that despite Jacobs having a “reputation for touching and forcibly kissing people on the lips without their consent,” Garcetti went on to hire him.

<h2>Did Garcetti lie under oath?</h2>

As per the NPR report, Garcetti was accused of “witnessing and enabling harassment by a close friend and top political adviser for years.” During his 2021 testimony, when he had been&nbsp;serving as mayor of LA&nbsp;for eight years and had served as co-chair of President Joe&nbsp;Biden’s 2020 campaign.

Yashar Ali alleges that the accusations&nbsp;against Garcetti were serious, due to which the Biden administration couldn’t send him to India for two years and also denied him any seat in the cabinet.

“Just know that the Biden administration, including the president, was aware of these details, had all the facts, and ignored them in favor of allowing the nomination of the despicable Eric Garcetti to be held up for two years,” Ali said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiYlfDInZWIAxVSR2wGHf2cHYMQFnoECCYQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-envoy-garcetti-miffed-by-indias-strategic-autonomy-after-pm-modis-russia-visit-740135" jsname="UWckNb" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-envoy-garcetti-miffed-by-indias-strategic-autonomy-after-pm-modis-russia-visit-740135&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYlfDInZWIAxVSR2wGHf2cHYMQFnoECCYQAQ">US envoy Garcetti miffed by India's 'strategic autonomy'&nbsp;</a>

“At some point in the future I’ll find out why the president was so loyal to such a mediocre man and was willing to allow India to go without a U.S. Ambassador for two years,” he continued.

He alleged that Garcetti was finally able to get cleared for the role in India “due to $100,000 spent on a lobbyist by his parents.”

Yashar Ali shared more details to corroborate his claims about Garcetti being fully aware of sexual misconduct by one of his top aides.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/come-to-india-us-ambassador-eric-garcettis-message-goes-viral-709785">&nbsp;'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral</a>

Ali wrote on his website that LAPD officer Matthew Garza, who worked on Garcetti’s security detail, had also accused Jacobs of assault and harassment.

And he claimed Garcetti witnessed the misconduct by Jacobs.

<h2>Garcetti has denied allegations</h2>

As per NPR, Garcetti has categorically denied these allegations, claiming he would have stopped the misconduct if he knew.

“I want to say unequivocally that I never witnessed nor was it brought to my attention the behavior that's been alleged. And I also want to assure you, if it had been, I would have immediately taken action to stop that,” NPR quoted the US envoy to India as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

An investigative report by NPR, an American public broadcasting organisation, has indicated that the USA’s current ambassador to India may have lied under oath to protect his close aide facing allegations of sexual misconduct. It was in 2020 when journalist and former Democratic fundraiser Yashar Ali accused Rick Jacobs, a top advisor to then-Los Angeles Mayor and the current United States envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, of sexual misconduct. “I remember him (Jacobs) walking towards me with his two hands out and grabbing my face and kissing me forcibly on the lips — two times,” Ali reportedly said in a podcast series with NPR. “I was frozen. It made me very, very uncomfortable. And once he did that, and I didn’t object to it, he continued. But not objecting to something is not consent. It’s just not objecting,” he said. There are allegations that despite Jacobs having a “reputation for touching and forcibly kissing people on the lips without their consent,” Garcetti went on to hire him. Did Garcetti lie under oath? As per the NPR report, Garcetti was accused of “witnessing and enabling harassment by a close friend and top political adviser for years.” During his 2021 testimony, when he had been serving as mayor of LA for eight years and had served as co-chair of President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Yashar Ali alleges that the accusations against Garcetti were serious, due to which the Biden administration couldn’t send him to India for two years and also denied him any seat in the cabinet. “Just know that the Biden administration, including the president, was aware of these details, had all the facts, and ignored them in favor of allowing the nomination of the despicable Eric Garcetti to be held up for two years,” Ali said. Also read: US envoy Garcetti miffed by India's 'strategic autonomy' “At some point in the future I’ll find out why the president was so loyal to such a mediocre man and was willing to allow India to go without a U.S. Ambassador for two years,” he continued. He alleged that Garcetti was finally able to get cleared for the role in India “due to $100,000 spent on a lobbyist by his parents.” Yashar Ali shared more details to corroborate his claims about Garcetti being fully aware of sexual misconduct by one of his top aides. Also read: 'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral Ali wrote on his website that LAPD officer Matthew Garza, who worked on Garcetti’s security detail, had also accused Jacobs of assault and harassment. And he claimed Garcetti witnessed the misconduct by Jacobs. Garcetti has denied allegations As per NPR, Garcetti has categorically denied these allegations, claiming he would have stopped the misconduct if he knew. “I want to say unequivocally that I never witnessed nor was it brought to my attention the behavior that's been alleged. And I also want to assure you, if it had been, I would have immediately taken action to stop that,” NPR quoted the US envoy to India as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy to India Garcetti accused of shielding aide facing charges of sexual misconduct

The US on Friday (Mar 15) again raked up the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) with India, implying the act inflicts&nbsp;harm on ‘the principles of religious freedom.’ US envoy to India Eric Garcetti preached that “the principles of religious freedom and of equality under the law is a cornerstone of democracy.”

"In America, we feel very strongly about ...that sensitive borders need to be secured. We are a nation of immigrant citizens, we have been enriched by our diversity,” Garcetti said, adding that he acknowledged India’s security needs as well.

“But, the principles of religious freedom and of equality under the law is a cornerstone of democracy," he said. “You cannot give up on principles, no matter how close you are with friends...,” the US envoy further added.

His comments came a day after US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Thursday (Mar 14) said his nation was concerned over the implementation of the CAA. “We are concerned... we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented,” he had said.

The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

<h2>Sharp rebuke by Indian foreign ministry</h2>

The comments by Matthew Miller triggered sharp rebuke from South Block, with India’s foreign ministry saying it didn’t need to take ‘lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India's pluralistic traditions.’

“Partners and well-wishers of India should welcome the intent in this step,” the official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-concerned-us-criticises-indias-caa-that-offers-citizenship-to-persecuted-minorities-700312">Also read:&nbsp;'Misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted': India rejects USA's criticism of Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

"The Citizenship Amendment Act is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights,” he added.

<h2>Amit Shah slams critics</h2>

Home Minister Amit Shah, earlier in an interview, explained why the act doesn’t award benefits to Muslim immigrants. In an interview with news agency ANI, Shah said it was India’s “moral and constitutional responsibility to give shelter to those who were part of Akhand Bharat and suffered religious persecution.” Akhand Bharat or Greater India is a historical concept that represents erstwhile India before partition and includes parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: All you need to know about CAA

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-all-you-need-to-know-about-caa-indian-govt-clarifies-on-citizenship-law-699833/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The interior minister said minorities in these nations faced humiliation and persecution for decades, resulting in the elimination of much of their population in the last 6-7 decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Friday (Mar 15) again raked up the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) with India, implying the act inflicts harm on ‘the principles of religious freedom.

The US on Friday (Mar 15) again raked up the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) with India, implying the act inflicts harm on ‘the principles of religious freedom.’ US envoy to India Eric Garcetti preached that “the principles of religious freedom and of equality under the law is a cornerstone of democracy.” "In America, we feel very strongly about ...that sensitive borders need to be secured. We are a nation of immigrant citizens, we have been enriched by our diversity,” Garcetti said, adding that he acknowledged India’s security needs as well. “But, the principles of religious freedom and of equality under the law is a cornerstone of democracy," he said. “You cannot give up on principles, no matter how close you are with friends...,” the US envoy further added. His comments came a day after US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Thursday (Mar 14) said his nation was concerned over the implementation of the CAA. “We are concerned... we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented,” he had said. The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Sharp rebuke by Indian foreign ministry The comments by Matthew Miller triggered sharp rebuke from South Block, with India’s foreign ministry saying it didn’t need to take ‘lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India's pluralistic traditions.’ “Partners and well-wishers of India should welcome the intent in this step,” the official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said. Also read: 'Misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted': India rejects USA's criticism of Citizenship Amendment Act "The Citizenship Amendment Act is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights,” he added. Amit Shah slams critics Home Minister Amit Shah, earlier in an interview, explained why the act doesn’t award benefits to Muslim immigrants. In an interview with news agency ANI, Shah said it was India’s “moral and constitutional responsibility to give shelter to those who were part of Akhand Bharat and suffered religious persecution.” Akhand Bharat or Greater India is a historical concept that represents erstwhile India before partition and includes parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Watch: Gravitas: All you need to know about CAA × The interior minister said minorities in these nations faced humiliation and persecution for decades, resulting in the elimination of much of their population in the last 6-7 decades. (With inputs from agencies)

‘You can’t give up on principles’: US envoy Garcetti preaches to New Delhi over CAA

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

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

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

us-envoy-to-india

Us Envoy To India, News on Us Envoy To India, stories on Us Envoy To India, articles on Us Envoy To India, Us Envoy To India stories at Wion, Us Envoy To India news, Us Envoy To India latest news