The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized on Wednesday the need for all sections of society, including ethnic and religious minorities, to feel they have an equal stake in a country’s democracy. His comments came in response to concerns about the communal overtones of the ongoing election campaign in India and its impact on Indo-US relations.
Garcetti stated that while he would not dictate how to run a democracy, he believes that Indians will manage their democracy themselves. “Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are not just concerns on election day. They are all the time. Democracy is a daily plebiscite,” he remarked during an event on diversity organized by the US consulate in Mumbai.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive democracy, Garcetti said, “We all have to work, like we do in the US, to ensure that everybody, whether it is an ethnic or religious minority, women, youth, or the poor, all feel that they have an equal stake in the democracy.”
His comments come amidst complaints made to the Election Commission of India by some political parties about the communal nature of messaging during the current elections.
When asked about India’s decision to declare state mourning following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Garcetti said he respects nations and their relationships, and that comforting during times of tragedy is crucial.
Garcetti also addressed concerns about the safety of Indian students amidst protests on American college campuses related to the situation in the Gaza strip. He assured Indian parents that the US prioritizes the safety of their children and loves having Indian students. He noted that India is the largest source of international students in the US, comprising a quarter of foreign students in American universities.
He emphasized that it is natural for students to have opinions and that peaceful protests should not be a cause for concern. Garcetti also assured that Indian students will receive their visas in time for the start of academic sessions, with all five visa-issuing centers in India working towards this goal.
Reflecting on the positive developments in Indo-US relations, Garcetti mentioned the first shipment of the jointly developed malaria vaccine being sent to Africa. He highlighted the potential for the two countries to collaborate and help improve lives globally.