Affirming the Indo-US partnership, Garcetti urged collaboration and co-development, emphasising cultural understanding and ancient wisdom's role in addressing modern challenges for global progress.

The ties between New Delhi and Washington have been lauded by Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, who emphasised the need for both nations to deepen their collaboration and set an example for the world. Speaking at the US India Business Council event in the national capital, Garcetti underscored that the relationship between India and the US transcends mere addition; it is, in fact, a multiplicative force.

Garcetti articulated that he believed understanding each other's culture was more than an additive relationship, stating that it was not simply India plus the US. Still, rather India times the US, describing it as a multiplicative relationship. This statement underscores the depth and potential of the partnership between the two nations.

Furthermore, Garcetti delved into the nuances between co-production and co-development, emphasising the necessity of aligning mutual needs and interests. He clarified that they should be clear with their terms, emphasising that co-production is distinct from co-development. He stressed the importance of ensuring that when considering co-development, it is not pursued arbitrarily. He questioned the intersection of India's needs, particularly within its military, and those of America, pondering how swiftly they could explore co-development and potentially serve as a global model.

Drawing parallels from ancient Indian texts, Garcetti highlighted the profound wisdom in Indian scriptures. He noted that in the Rig Veda, there is Indra, described as the most powerful god, associated with thunder and, in many ways, also with war. He mentioned knowing and feeling the power of such a primal creation of the earth that emerged from conflict.

Furthermore, Garcetti elaborated on the contrasting views of war depicted in the Mahabharata and Arthashastra. He explained that there are two traditions in India. He mentioned that one tradition, as depicted in the Mahabharata, portrays war as exciting yet grim, akin to a sport or religious duty. He further stated that they were familiar with this tradition. However, he pointed out the existence of a second school of thought, as described in the 'Arthashastra', which asserts that war is essentially a continuation of politics through different means. He emphasised that this perspective was articulated over 200 years ago and noted that much of what they study in colleges in India as discoveries had originated there.

Garcetti's remarks underscore the deepening ties between India and the US and highlight the rich cultural and intellectual exchange underpinning their relationship. As both nations navigate the complexities of the modern world, they can forge a partnership that serves their interests and sets a precedent for global cooperation and development.