Mon Jan 13 17:06:40 UTC 2025: ## Outgoing US Ambassador Bids Farewell to India Amid Family Wildfire Crisis
**New Delhi, January 14, 2025** – U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti concluded his 21-month tenure on Monday, marking the end of his term with the incoming Trump administration. In an emotional address at the U.S. Education Foundation (USEFI), Ambassador Garcetti revealed that his family had been displaced by devastating wildfires currently raging in Los Angeles. He expressed gratitude for the support received and described his time in India as the “most extraordinary job” of his life.
Garcetti highlighted the impact of the wildfires, attributing their spread to strong winds and adverse weather conditions. He also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. visas, emphasizing the significant contributions of Indian immigrants and students to the American economy and innovation. He viewed the high demand for U.S. visas from India not as a problem, but as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
“Deeper than the Pacific Ocean, wider than this entire globe, is the demand of Indians to come to America,” Garcetti stated. “Indian students and immigrants are helping run the world’s most important universities, our companies, and research entities.” He concluded by stressing that increased ties between India and the U.S., particularly in economic and educational exchange, would benefit both countries. Garcetti, who served as Mayor of Los Angeles for nearly a decade before his ambassadorship, was confirmed in March 2023.
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