Eric Garcetti, who is currently the mayor of California’s Los Angeles, was confirmed as the United States ambassador to India by the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. He was nominated for the role by President Joe Biden in July 2021.

Garcetti has served as the mayor of Los Angeles since 2013 and has so far won two-term elections. Before taking over the mayoral office with the widest margin in the history of the city, he worked at the City Council.

Beyond his time at City Hall, mayor Garcetti has served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and taught at the University of Southern California and Occidental College, according to the official website of the Los Angeles mayor office.

Also Read: Eric Garcetti and India: What to expect from the ambassadorship

The 50-year-old, who is also an amateur jazz pianist, is known to wear many hats of accomplishments throughout his political career and successfully secured Olympics hosting rights for Los Angeles. Moreover, Garcetti has also gained significant momentum in the fields of climate change, job creation and unemployment, mass mobility through Los Angeles among many others. 

Garcetti, who was the first Jewish mayor of Los Angeles and also a former Rhodes scholar, will be leading the United States’ diplomatic representation at a crucial time as both India and the US have been known to lock horns with China over multiple issues. 

“Should I be confirmed, I’ll bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles,” said Garcetti in a statement, according to reports from AFP.

Garcetti is likely to occupy New Delhi’s Roosevelt House, a name given to the United States Embassy in India, to replace highly commended economist John Kenneth Galbraith and policy expert Daniel Moynihan, who has previously served as a core advisor to former US President and member of the Republican party Richard Nixon.

Garcetti reportedly refused to take part in the United States Presidential elections in 2020 as a candidate for the Democratic party but has reportedly been actively looking for a change in portfolio seeking a position with international significance.