With warmth and nostalgia, outgoing US Ambassador Eric Garcetti today bid adieu to the nation that captured his heart during his tenure as the 26th US envoy to India. In an emotional farewell message shared via social media, Garcetti recalled his unforgettable journey through India—a country he warmly described as his “second home.”
“As I bid farewell to India after serving as the 26th U.S. Ambassador to this amazing country, my heart is full. You’ve given me a second home, a family of friends, and memories that will last a lifetime,” he said in his video message, which was met with an outpouring of appreciation on social media. “My dear India: you’re not just incredible—you’re unforgettable. With love, Eric.”
As I bid farewell to India after serving as the 26th U.S. Ambassador to this amazing country, my heart is full. You’ve given me a second home, a family of friends, and memories that will last a lifetime. Today, I leave as more than an ambassador—I leave as a lifelong friend and… pic.twitter.com/FEB6YqoRlm
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) January 19, 2025
During his tenure, Garcetti embraced the diversity of India by traveling through all 28 states, soaking in the country’s rich cultural tapestry. He recounted some of his most cherished moments—from floating past the Ghats in Varanasi and marveling at the living root bridges in Meghalaya, to sailing through the scenic backwaters of Kerala and even cheering for the Indian cricket team at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. “From the moment I landed in New Delhi, India has felt like home. Your people’s dosti and zindadili touch me every day,” he added.
The ambassador also highlighted significant milestones in US-India relations achieved during his time in the country. One notable moment was the inauguration of a new US consulate in Bangalore, referred to as “a new beginning in Silicon Valley,” which symbolizes the growing synergy between Indian innovation and American enterprise. Garcetti expressed admiration for the collaborative spirit seen in scientific research, business ventures, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. “We’ve seen our businesses trade together, our guardians train together, and our people celebrate together,” he said, underscoring the fruitful bilateral cooperation.
For Garcetti, the American and Indian dreams are inseparably linked. “The American and the Indian dream, they’re flip sides of the same coin,” he asserted, emphasizing the shared vision of progress and optimism that unites the two countries. His words resonated as a reminder of the deep ties that have evolved over years of diplomatic engagement and people-to-people connections.
Concluding his farewell, Garcetti quoted a beloved line from Bollywood—“Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost” (The movie isn’t over yet, my friend)—a nod to the continuing journey of friendship between the United States and India. “India, you have my heart. I will always deeply love America, where I was born. But India has been a place where I’ve learned to embrace life in full color, where humanity understands our past and glimpses our future,” he reflected.
Appointed in 2023, Garcetti’s term as Ambassador arrives at a turning point in US political history, as President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office on January 20 following his swearing-in ceremony. Garcetti, who previously served as the Mayor of Los Angeles, leaves behind a legacy marked by a genuine connection with the people of India and a strengthened bilateral relationship poised for future growth.
As the ambassador steps down, both India and the United States look ahead with continued optimism for a future built on collaboration, shared dreams, and enduring friendship.
