After a two-year wait, Eric Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles, has been confirmed as the ambassador to India. The US Senate cleared his nomination on Wednesday by a vote of 52-47, as seven Republicans joined the majority of Democrats in supporting Garcetti. Interestingly, three Democrats voted against Garcetti along with the majority of Republicans.
Garcetti's confirmation comes two years after he was first nominated by US President Joe Biden, in 2021. But, his nomination stalled after some Democrats expressed concern over the allegations against Garcetti that he mishandled workplace harassment complaint against his close aide. Garcetti has repeatedly denied that he ignored the alleged harassment.
The crucial post of envoy to India had remained vacant since Kenneth Juster, the last occupant of the ambassadorial residence of the US in New Delhi, stepped down in January 2021 after the change of government in America. The absence of an envoy was seen as a notable one considering the renewed efforts by Washington to partner with India to push back against China's expanding power and influence in the region.
However, President Biden renominated him again in January this year. Last week, the move got some forward momentum after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted last week to advance the nomination. Two Republicans – Sens. Todd Young of Indiana and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee – voted with Democrats to support the nominee, which hinted that Garcetti's nomination may finally go through this time.
"The relationship between India and the US is a strong one, and one of great strategic, economic, and cultural importance. Founded on shared values, supported by growing economic and trade ties, and strengthened by the Indian diaspora here in the US, this partnership continues to hold significant promise for the future," Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chair of Senate India Caucus, said.
"As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I am glad that there will finally be a Senate-confirmed ambassador in New Delhi," Warner said.
However, three democrats voted against Garcetti - Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Mark Kelly of Arizona. While Hirono told CNN she decided to vote against Garcetti as she received "credible information" about him. She, however, did not clarify whether it concerned the allegations of sexual harassment made against him.
As for Brown, he said his concerns were not about the accusations against Garcetti but about whether he had the "right diplomatic credentials" for the important post. "I think there are better nominees that had more experience and expertise in a country set to be the biggest democracy in the world, so I just thought we could have done better," Brown told CNN.