New Delhi : US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, emphasized the importance of India in the Indo-Pacific region, stating that there cannot be an Indo-Pacific without India. He also expressed that the US sees eye to eye with India on various issues such as peace, prosperity, the planet, and people. Ambassador Garcetti highlighted the upcoming official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US, where President Joe Biden will host him at the White House, as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and their leaders.

Garcetti also touched upon defense cooperation between India and the US, emphasizing that both countries trust each other and that the US is committed to India's security. Regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Garcetti stated that the court has mandated the extradition, and he expects it to occur.

In response to a question about a US panel's recommendation to declare India a "country of particular concern," Garcetti clarified that the panel did not make such a designation. He mentioned that incidents of intolerance occur in various countries, including the US, and highlighted the importance of standing together to ensure the rights of people from all religious backgrounds are respected.

Regarding Indian students studying in the US, Garcetti expressed excitement in welcoming them and mentioned that the US issued the highest number of visas to Indian students last year. He acknowledged the positive impact of Indian students on both the US and Indian economies and expressed hope for this trend to continue.

Ambassador Garcetti also shared his personal experiences in India, stating that he feels at home there. He emphasized that his priority is to assist India in any way it needs help. He also mentioned meeting notable figures such as Shah Rukh Khan and Mukesh Ambani, as well as watching the Indian Premier League (IPL), and expressed that India represents a dream similar to the American dream.

When asked about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the US, Garcetti stated that it presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the leaders and countries. He mentioned that while Modi had previously met former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, those meetings were not official state visits.