'Extraordinary': US Envoy Eric Garcetti On Experiencing His First Lok Sabha Polls In India

The Lok Sabha Polls in India is deemed the biggest election in the world’s largest democracy. Approximately, 970 million people out of a total population of 1.4 billion are eligible to vote in this election, which is equivalent to 70 per cent of the population. This year, the general elections are being held in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, as people vote for 543 Lok Sabha seats. Amid the weeks-long election process, political candidates are holding massive rallies and elaborate promotional campaigns. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, witnessed the vibrancy of the Indian general elections this year for the first time.

In conversation with ANI, Garcetti expressed his awe at the massive scale and preparation for the general election. As a first-time observer of the election process, Garcetti said, “It’s extraordinary to see the world’s largest democracy execute the biggest election in the world and we’ve seen incredible, vibrant campaigning, we’ve seen parties, we’ve seen rallies, and it’s something, just as a first-time observer, that is very inspiring to see. So, you know, I wish India and Indians luck.”

He also spoke about the developing relationship between India and the USA. The diplomat described India as the “fastest-growing economy in the developing world”, whereas the USA remained as the “fastest-growing economy in the developed world”.

Garcetti described the USA and India as “natural partners” when it came to developing their economy and sharing space technology. He said that the collaboration between India and the USA could be helpful in expanding the economic prosperity of the whole world by “diversifying supply chains and going to places like Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific island countries”.

The 53-year-old said that the relationship between India and the USA is “stronger than it’s ever been in history”. Talking about how both countries are developing space science together, he added, “We’re going to put Indians in space this year on an American mission.” He also pointed out that later in the year, India and the USA are going to launch a jointly made satellite.

Garcetti has been the United States ambassador to India since May 11, 2023. Previously, he served as the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 until 2022. He was the youngest mayor of Los Angeles in 2013, at the age of 42.