Mumbai, Jan 9: On Thursday, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the strong partnership between India and the United States in combating terrorism. He expressed his approval of the “increased” intelligence sharing and collaboration aimed at ensuring justice for those responsible for terror acts.
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Garcetti described the American Dream and the Indian Dream as two sides of the same coin, emphasizing that the relationship between the two nations is not only collaborative but also carries a shared responsibility that extends beyond their borders. Speaking at an event focused on ‘Peace and the US-India Defense and Security Partnership,’ he remarked that terrorism continues to take innocent lives and stressed the importance of joint efforts against organizations like Lashkar, Jaish, and ISIS that operate across borders. “We must confront this threat together,” he stated, adding that their partnership also encompasses initiatives aimed at deradicalizing communities.
“Investing in opportunities in the most impoverished regions is crucial. We must engage with communities that feel marginalized and ensure those who jeopardize peace and stability are held accountable. Prosperity is linked to peace,” he noted. He reiterated the commitment of both nations to cooperate in the realm of counter-terrorism, noting the uptick in intelligence sharing to ensure justice.
Garcetti pointed out that violence often arises in the absence of prosperity and employment, highlighting the need to create economic pathways. He referred to historical trade routes like the Silk Route and Spice Route, stating, “The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will connect nations from Saudi Arabia through the Mediterranean to Europe.” Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East complicating matters, he affirmed that planning for IMEC continues and urged the US, India, their Gulf allies, and other nations to recognize it as a significant initiative for their generation.
The ambassador characterized Mumbai as an “incredible industrial hub,” bursting with innovation and a forward-looking populace. He honored the Taj Hotel as “sacred ground” due to its history as a site of terrorist attacks on November 26, 2008. “As we mark the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, we remember the bravery demonstrated by the nation,” he reflected.
According to Garcetti, discussions surrounding Indo-US relations transcend mere alignment on common goals; they require principled articulation, robust partnerships, and mutual understanding. “Our relationship is multiplicative rather than additive, encompassing areas like vaccine development and international trade.” He emphasized that both countries consider not only their interests but also their global impact, whether in military matters, health, environmental initiatives, or women’s empowerment. “Peace goes beyond defense; it involves constructing a harmonious world,” he stated.
He underscored the necessity of diplomacy and interpersonal relationships, warning that lacking these elements leads solely to conflict. “To maintain peace jointly, we must address transnational threats such as trafficking and drug trading and work to empower marginalized communities. These two great nations have responsibilities that extend beyond their own borders,” he asserted.
Garcetti noted a growing trust between the US and India in their defense collaboration, mentioning advancements in India’s capacity as a hub for maintenance and repair of US Navy assets in the region. “We’ve escalated our joint military exercises from Alaska’s mountains to the Indian Ocean and have co-developed weapons,” he explained, highlighting that US defense exports to India had surged from nearly zero in 2008 to over USD 25 billion by 2023. “We are not merely selling systems to India; we are co-producing them,” he emphasized.
Identifying the US as India’s primary military exercise partner, he remarked on the expansion of joint military operations. Garcetti reiterated that both nations share democratic values rooted in the dignity of every human being, asserting that democracy flourishes only when all individuals thrive within it. He praised last year’s G20 summit hosted by India as the most successful in history.
Paying tribute to recently deceased former US President Jimmy Carter, Garcetti recalled Carter’s visit to India in 1978 and his impactful speech in Parliament, stating, “His mother devoted herself to serving leprosy patients in Maharashtra at 68, illustrating that service knows no age limits.” Highlighting Carter’s lifelong commitment to peace, he remarked, “Peace is not merely an achievement; it is a continuous process that must be cultivated daily.” Garcetti cited Carter’s significant contributions to achieving peace in the Middle East and his dedication to providing homes for the underprivileged through Habitat for Humanity, affirming that Carter lived and breathed the ethos of peace.
(Agencies)
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