West Bengal: US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has emphasized the growing strength of India-US relations, particularly in the areas of technology sharing and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a recent statement, Garcetti highlighted the unprecedented level of trust between the two nations, exemplified by the US approval to sell its most advanced jet engine technology to India.
“The trust that the United States has for India resulted in the approval of selling our most exquisite jet engine technology, something that we haven’t even done with some of our closest allies,” Garcetti stated. This refers to the memorandum of understanding signed between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics last June to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India.
The ambassador recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US last year, which resulted in 173 different collaborative projects. These range from educational partnerships to cutting-edge research on disease cures and cancer treatment.
Garcetti also emphasized the shared democratic values between the two nations, stating, “India and the US are two great democracies.” He noted that part of US foreign policy is to invite criticism and work together on issues such as women’s empowerment and minority rights.
The envoy highlighted collaboration in climate financing, mentioning a large solar manufacturing plant in southern India that creates jobs and exports to the US, reducing dependence on critical minerals controlled by China.
“US and India are a force for good. This is not just a strategic calculation. This is a warmth that comes from our heart and also a knowledge that when we put our things together, we can do better than either country alone”, Garcetti concluded.
On Saturday, the US Ambassador was spotted enjoying an e-scooter ride in Kolkata’s New Town area. Ambassador Garcetti remarked that transportation-sharing systems serve as an excellent model for encouraging sustainable transportation.
