In the midst of escalating hostilities between the two nations over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusation that India was responsible for the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said, "The US cares deeply about its relationship with both India and Canada."
"We care about both countries, and we care about their relationship. Our relationship is rock solid with both of them. And I think that all of us need to make sure that we can come together as countries that take seriously sovereignty, take seriously security, and take seriously the potential of our relationship," the US Ambassador said.
Garcetti made his remarks shortly after Mathew Miller, a spokesman for the US State Department, claimed that the US was troubled by Mr. Trudeau's allegations surrounding the assassination of Hardeep Nijjar, an Indian terrorist who had been identified as such.
The US representative, who was present at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), noted that the US is extremely near to deciding one million visa applications in India, and that India would likely once again be the top source of students from around the world.
Mr Garcetti said, "A record number of student visas were processed this summer. Now, India, again, will probably be the number one source of students from across the world."
He added that the US expects 25% of international students to come from India alone. "We anticipate 25 per cent of foreign students in the United States will come just from India. And then, second, we also are very close to our 1 million visa application in India being adjudicated, which will be a brand new record as well," Garcetti said.
He added that the US is not carrying out similar action with more persons.
Garcetti said of the IPACC that it shows the extent to which the US and India have grown by hosting all of the leaders of armed forces from the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously.
"It's not just the closeness of the two nations. It's the integration of all nations, both of us speaking for a free, prosperous Indo-Pacific. It's our values that guide this. And I'm so excited to see and to demonstrate the strength not only of a bilateral relationship but what happens when India and the United States are together," he said.
General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the US Army, stated on September 26 that the US and Indian Army's cooperation is essential for maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region and that their relationship is solid and only getting better.
From September 25 to 27, the 13th biennial Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the 47th annual Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the 9th Senior Enlisted Forum will be held at the Manekshaw Centre in the nation's capital by the armed forces of India and the United States.
The event is notable for being the biggest gathering in the area for land forces (army, marines, etc.). Through conversation, relationships, and shared respect, these gatherings aim to advance stability and security in the Indo-Pacific area.
