'I can't wait to serve': Eric Garcetti on becoming the next US ambassador to India

After a gap of more than two years, the US has appointed an ambassador to India. The post had been vacant since the last US envoy in New Delhi, Kenneth Juster, stepped down after the change of power in the US.

Taking to Twitter, the US Vice-President wrote, "Today, I had the honor of swearing in my fellow Californian, Eric Garcetti, to be our next Ambassador to India. Ambassador Garcetti is a committed public servant and will play a critical role in strengthening our partnership with the people of India."

"I can't wait to serve," said Garcetti when questioned about his new diplomatic role.

Following the US Senate's confirmation of Eric Garcetti, India expressed its warm welcome and enthusiasm to collaborate with him in advancing the diverse bilateral relationship between the two nations.

At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "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."

Earlier, several Democrats in the US Senate had privately expressed concerns over Garcetti's nomination, alleging that he ignored the accusations of sexual harassment and bullying by one of his former senior aides. However, Garcetti has denied the allegations that he ignored the alleged harassment.

Eric Garcetti's immediate family members, including his wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti, and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland, were among the attendees of the ceremony.

Eric Garcetti, who served as the Mayor of Los Angeles since 2013, has an extensive background working in the US Navy Reserve Component as an Intelligence Officer for 12 years. While working in the US Navy, he worked with the Pacific Fleet and the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Moreover, he also held the position of City Council member for 12 years, overseeing various vital infrastructure projects such as the Western Hemisphere's busiest container port, the country's largest municipal utility, and one of the world's busiest airports.

Garcetti also led a successful campaign for LA to host the summer Olympic Games on American soil after a gap of thirty years. He is currently serving as the chairperson of LA Metro, which is the second-busiest transit agency in the country.