US President Joe Biden’s close adviser Eric Garcetti has been confirmed by the US Senate as the country’s next ambassador to India, filling the key diplomatic post that had been vacant for more than two years.

The Senate voted 52-42 on Wednesday to confirm the nomination of Garcetti, 52, as seven Republicans joined a majority of Democrats in supporting Garcetti and three Democrats joined a majority of Republicans in voting against him. .

The former Los Angeles mayor’s nomination had been pending before the US Congress since July 2021 when he was nominated for Biden’s prestigious diplomatic post.

President Biden believes the US has a crucial and consistent partnership with India and that Garcetti will be a strong and effective ambassador, Olivia Dalton, Senior Assistant Secretary for Press, told PTI.

“The President thanks Chairman Menendez and Senators from both sides of the aisle for their careful consideration and today’s bipartisan vote to confirm Mayor Garcetti,” Dalton said.

“The relationship between India and the US is strong and of great strategic, economic and cultural importance. Founded on shared values, underpinned by growing economic and trade ties, and strengthened by the Indian diaspora here in the US, this partnership continues to hold great promise for the future,” said Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chairman of the Senate Caucus from India.

“As co-chair of the Indian Senate Caucus, I am glad that there is finally a Senate-confirmed ambassador in New Delhi,” Warner said.

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13-8 in favor of his nomination.

His nomination was not taken to the full Senate for a vote during the last Congress, as the ruling Democratic Party did not have enough support to get Biden to pass.

Garcetti was not confirmed by the Senate in President Biden’s first two years in office amid concerns from some lawmakers that the then-mayor had not adequately handled allegations against a former top counsel of sexual harassment and assault.

President Biden renominated Garcetti for the same position in January of this year. Mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 until a term limit forced him out last year, Garcetti is close to Biden and co-chaired his 2020 presidential campaign.

Kenneth Juster, the last occupant of the residence of the US embassy in New Delhi, resigned in January 2021 after the change of government in the United States.

(With contributions from agencies)

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