US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti emphasized the “close friendship” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden, highlighting its significance in the growing ties between the two nations. In an interview with ANI, Garcetti described Modi as the most pro-American Prime Minister in Indian history, while he referred to Biden as the most pro-Indian president the US has seen.
Garcetti noted that their friendship represents the broader relationship between the two countries. “These two leaders exemplify the closeness we share,” he stated, underscoring their mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.
He also discussed the Quad, a strategic forum comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, calling it a “powerful platform” for setting a common vision in the Indo-Pacific region. Garcetti highlighted the Quad’s role in promoting principles that align with international law, contrasting it with nations that do not adhere to such standards.
The recent sixth Quad Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, saw the participation of PM Modi and other leaders. Garcetti explained that the joint declaration from the summit emphasized cooperation across various areas, including disaster response and supply chain security. He reiterated that the Quad’s focus is not on any single nation but on collective goals for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, he stated that the Quad aims to address shared challenges and should not be seen as a threat by other countries. “We have committed $1 billion between the US and India to tackle climate issues affecting nearly 900 million vulnerable people in our countries,” he added, reinforcing the Quad’s inclusive vision. Garcetti clarified that the Quad is not a military alliance aiming to project power, but rather a coalition focused on preserving peace and ensuring prosperity. He concluded, “Our initiatives, whether in coast guard cooperation or military interoperability, aim to protect our people while fostering regional stability.”