US President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, an ambitious star in his Democratic Party, to be ambassador to India, with which the United States has an increasingly close relationship. "And 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," Garcetti said. Biden has stepped up the "Quad" partnership of the United States, India, Japan and Australia -- four democracies that largely share common cause on China's rising military and economic might. - Scandals rise at home -India has been facing major challenges from Covid-19 and air pollution -- two issues that Garcetti has tackled in Los Angeles. Garcetti in December said he turned down an unspecified job in the Biden administration so he could focus on defeating Covid-19 in Los Angeles.

Source: Mint July 09, 2021 22:30 UTC