NEW DELHI: US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on Thursday spoke about the potential for strengthened ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Donald Trump, hinting at upcoming meetings between the two global leaders.
While addressing speculation about PM Modi being invited to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, Garcetti said he was unaware of the guest list but highlighted the strong camaraderie between the leaders.
“I can’t speak to that. I don’t know anything about the invitations,” Garcetti said when asked about Modi’s potential attendance at the ceremony. He added, “I do know that Prime Minister Modi and President-elect Trump are incredibly close. I look forward to when they will meet together directly.”
The US envoy indicated that a meeting between Modi and Trump would likely take place in Washington first, followed by another during the QUAD Summit, which India is set to host later in the year. “I would expect that to be in Washington first and then later in the second half of the year, most likely when India hosts the QUAD. I would expect President Trump to come here,” he said. Garcetti pointed out the importance of direct interactions over ceremonial events, mentioning, “It’s not about invitations to a crowded swearing-in. It’s about the one-on-one conversations that will define the next chapter of our relationship.”
Reflecting on his tenure and the evolving India-US partnership, Garcetti described his role as ambassador as the most significant job of his career. “This has been the most extraordinary job of my life. This was to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right relationship,” he said.
The ambassador expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, highlighting the increasing collaboration between the two nations. “If you want to work on the future, come to India. Vice-versa, one of the great things I have seen is India coming to the US, whether it is investment or the way our militaries are coming together. We see this as a relationship with endless possibilities and without any limits,” he said.
Garcetti also announced the opening of a new US consulate in Bengaluru, signifying the deepening ties between the nations. “We are so excited to see optimism, hope, and progress in India. On a personal note, India captured my heart,” he added.
