US Ambassador to India on Bridging the U.S. and India in the Decade Ahead
Mar 28, 2024
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US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, discusses bridging the U.S. and India in the decade ahead. Topics include improving visa processes, enhancing educational exchange programs, exploring diverse Indian cuisine, promoting US-India tourism, passion for cricket in America, and the impact of the Indian diaspora in the US.
Ambassador Garcetti's early exposure to Indian culture fueled his commitment to building strong US-India relations.
US Embassy's visa system improvements contribute to the growth of tourism and enhance bilateral connections.
Deep dives
United States Ambassador's Connection with India
United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti shares his deep connection with India, dating back to his first visit to Delhi at 14. Raised by parents who prioritized travel experiences, he developed a love for the country, studying Indian culture and even considering living in Bodh Gaya for Buddhist studies. Despite having to fulfill other commitments, India's allure remained strong, eventually guiding him back, coinciding with his role as Ambassador.
Visa Challenges and Solutions
United States Embassy tackles visa backlogs as a positive outcome of high Indian interest in traveling to the US. Ambassador Garcetti's focus on reducing wait times led to impressive results, with a 60% increase in visas issued and a 75% reduction in waiting periods. The embassy's strategy involves short-term efficiency improvements alongside long-term capacity expansion to accommodate the growing influx of Indian travelers.
Promoting Tourism and Diaspora Influence
The Ambassador emphasizes tourism's role in fostering ties between the US and India, highlighting the importance of the Indian Diaspora in both countries. Leveraging connections with Indian Americans in influential positions, from politics to business, enhances bilateral relations significantly. This network's success stems from a combination of talent migration and shared values, embodying a modern-day interpretation of the Indian dream synonymous with the American dream.
Today we feature a discussion that took place on stage at the inaugural Skift India Summit this month in New Delhi, India.
In this conversation Eric Garcetti, United States Ambassador to the Republic of India, speaks with Rafat Ali, Founder & CEO of Skift, about "Bridging the U.S. and India in the Decade Ahead".
For more like this, visit live.skift.com to learn how you can attend our next industry defining live event.
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