The O.P. Jindal Global University, home to the Jindal School of International Affairs, the Jindal India Institute, and the Jindal Global Centre for G20 Studies, recently welcomed Eric M. Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, for a significant event on April 8, 2024. More than 200 students and faculty members gathered on the campus in Sonipat to attend Ambassador Garcetti's distinguished public lecture, centered on the theme 'The Most Consequential Relationship of the Century: Indo-American Ties'.
Amidst the increasing depth and breadth of US-India relations, which have been capturing global attention, Ambassador Garcetti's lecture carried profound significance. He went beyond diplomatic clichés to explore shared aspirations and the joint pursuit of a world defined by '4 Ps': peace, prosperity, planet, and people.
Drawing from personal anecdotes of enchanting moments experienced during his visits to India since childhood, Ambassador Garcetti revealed a deep emotional connection with the country spanning decades. He quoted US President Joe Biden, who described India as "the most important country in the world," emphasizing the unparalleled significance of Washington's relationship with New Delhi in shaping the twenty-first-century global order.
Characterizing the US-India ties as more than just additive but multiplicative, Ambassador Garcetti highlighted the robust exchange in education, trade, and collaborative efforts towards a sustainable energy future. The ensuing interactive session saw the audience engaging the Ambassador on a wide range of topics, from domestic politics in India to racial issues in the US, regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, and the role of technology in the strategic partnership.
Addressing controversies surrounding US comments on India's internal affairs, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the openness of American democracy, where diverse viewpoints are openly aired. He commended India for its upcoming massive general elections, acknowledging the potential for learning from India's electoral practices.
Regarding territorial disputes, Ambassador Garcetti reaffirmed US support for India's sovereignty, particularly in the context of Arunachal Pradesh. He underscored the growing defence cooperation between the two nations as a deterrent against aggressive authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the alignment of values between Washington and New Delhi.
Dr. C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, expressed gratitude to American universities for their support and urged Indian academia to learn from their achievements in solving global challenges.
Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, Dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs, echoed Ambassador Garcetti's view that the US-India partnership was only "midway up the mountain," highlighting the vast potential for further collaboration. He emphasized the evolving nature of the relationship, which, while not a formal alliance, exhibits characteristics akin to one.
In conclusion, Dr. Chaulia emphasized the strength of the fundamental aspects of the US-India relationship, suggesting that occasional disagreements should not overshadow the broader alliance-like friendship between the two nations.
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