NEW DELHI: The salient Envoy from the United States to India, Eric Garcettireflected on his tenure as the 26th U.S. envoy and the deep ties forged between the two nations during his time in office. Closing the session with the iconic Bollywood line “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!” of Om Shanti OmGarcetti expressed confidence in the enduring strength of US-India relations.
Posting a video on his social media, Garcetti expressed his deep connection to India, a country he first encountered as a child and revisited as a student. He highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people and said: “My dear India, you are not only amazing, but unforgettable. Love, Eric.”
Garcetti described India as a place where he quickly felt at home. “From the moment I landed in New Delhi to serve as the 26th ambassador of the United States, India felt like home,” he said. “The dosti and zindadili of your people move me every day,” he added, referencing the deep friendships and vibrant spirit he encountered during his travels.
During his tenure, Garcetti visited 28 states, immersing himself in India’s diverse culture and heritage.
He recalled memorable experiences such as floating through the ghats of Varanasi, crossing living root bridges in Meghalaya, sailing through the backwaters of Kerala and cheering on the Indian cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
“I’ve floated past the Ghats in Varanasi, crossed living root bridges in Meghalaya, sailed through the backwaters of Kerala, cheered on India at Modi Stadium and played basketball with the girls in bustling Mumbai. “I’ve “Having seen that fusion of ancient royalty and modern innovation in Hyderabad, I have celebrated the culture of Kolkata and the incredible history in the ancient temples of Chennai,” he said.
He also mentioned his time playing basketball with girls in Mumbai, witnessing Hyderabad’s blend of history and modernity, celebrating the rich culture of Kolkata and exploring the ancient temples of Chennai. “We have begun a new beginning in Bengaluru,” he added, referring to the inauguration of the fifth US consulate in India, located in Bengaluru.
Garcetti highlighted key milestones in US-India relations during his tenure, including collaboration on vaccine distribution, technological advances and strengthened partnerships in science, business and education.
He praised the close cooperation between the two nations, saying: “We have seen our companies trade together, our guardians train together and our people celebrate together.” Reflecting on the shared aspirations of the United States and India, Garcetti said, “The American dream and the Indian dream are two sides of the same coin.”
Garcetti also added: “India, you have my heart. While I will always deeply love the United States, where I was born, India has taught me to embrace life in full color: a place where humanity can understand its past and glimpse its future.”
In his farewell message, Garcetti referred to the long-standing relationship between the two nations. “Our relationship is truly an enduring story of love that will last through the centuries. And we are just getting started,” he said, signing off with the iconic Bollywood line from ‘Om Shanti Om’: “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!”