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The outgoing US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed his satisfaction with India's response to US concerns regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He characterized India's announcement of legal action as a 'very welcome first step,' emphasizing that it demonstrated the seriousness with which India took the US's concerns. This positive assessment highlights the enduring strength of the US-India relationship, even in the face of challenging issues. Garcetti's statement directly counters skepticism about the robustness of the bilateral relationship, asserting that the partnership remains strong and resilient despite this complex situation. The incident serves as a test of the relationship, and Garcetti's approval suggests the partnership successfully navigated this challenge. He pointed out that the ongoing cooperation between the two nations on various fronts, including military, economic, cultural, and educational matters, underscores the depth and breadth of the ties.
Garcetti's comments also addressed concerns about the potential for the Pannun situation to overshadow the broader US-India relationship. He explicitly stated his hope that no one in Washington would reduce the relationship to mutual feelings about China, emphasizing that the relationship is independent and stands on its own merit. This sentiment is reinforced by his enumeration of the numerous achievements and milestones of the US-India partnership in recent years. The record-high levels of visas issued, student exchanges, trade volumes, space cooperation, defense exercises, and weapons sales all indicate a robust and dynamic relationship that goes beyond geopolitical considerations. This perspective suggests that the bilateral ties are not merely reactive to external pressures but are driven by the shared aspirations and inherent strengths of both nations.
Garcetti further expanded on the success of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), initiated during his tenure. He expressed confidence that this initiative would continue to be a focal point for the next administration, highlighting its importance in shaping future cooperation. The iCET exemplifies the long-term strategic vision underpinning the US-India relationship, extending beyond the immediate concerns of specific incidents. He also referenced other significant collaborative projects, like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), and emphasized the continuity of strategic initiatives across different US administrations, indicating that the US-India relationship transcends the influence of individual presidencies. This perspective highlights the deeply entrenched and enduring nature of the collaboration.
The ambassador's reflections extend beyond the formal diplomatic realm. He shared anecdotes from his time in India, showcasing the personal connections he forged and emphasizing the importance of people-to-people interaction in strengthening the relationship. His experiences, ranging from cricket matches to interactions with diverse communities across India, demonstrate his commitment to understanding Indian culture and its people. This human element suggests that the US-India relationship is not solely defined by high-level political and economic agreements but is also rooted in shared human experiences and mutual understanding. His travels, covering 27 states and six union territories, showcase his immersive engagement with India's diverse landscape and population.
In conclusion, Ambassador Garcetti's assessment of the US-India relationship presents a positive and optimistic outlook. He emphasizes the resilience of the partnership, its independent strength, and its potential for future growth. His remarks highlight the importance of collaboration on critical technologies, the long-term strategic alignment between the two nations, and the role of people-to-people interactions in fostering closer ties. The incident related to Pannun, while challenging, has not undermined the overall trajectory of a strong and burgeoning US-India relationship, which stands on its own achievements and mutual benefits. His positive comments highlight a future of increased collaboration and partnership, suggesting that the challenges faced are merely stepping stones in strengthening the already strong bond between the US and India.
Source: India’s response to US (Pannun) concerns a welcome step… our ties have never been stronger: Garcetti