Earlier with Human Rights Watch, new US ambassador to India opposed citizenship law

By Our Representative
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), claiming to be the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States, has said that the confirmation of Eric Garcetti as US Ambassador to India, would help "promote and uphold the values of human rights and religious freedoms."
Welcoming his appointment, the Washington, DC-based advocacy group, which seeks to work for "safeguarding India's pluralist and tolerant ethos", welcomes the Senate confirmation of Eric Garcetti after almost a two-year wait ith a 52-42 vote paved the way for Garcetti, who is former Los Angeles Mayor and was on the board of Human Rights Watch as India envoy.
Insisting that he will be "an excellent representative of the US in India", IAMC said in a media communique, "Garcetti's extensive experience in politics and public service makes him an ideal candidate for this critical diplomatic position."
It added, "We are confident that his leadership and commitment to public service and human rights will enable him to navigate this critical role considering the rampant persecution of religious minorities and threats of looming genocide."
Recalled IAMC, In 2021, Garcetti told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that "human rights and strong democratic institutions are key elements of our strategic partnership and values enshrined in our constitutions, and if confirmed, I will engage closely and regularly with the Indian government on these issues."
It continued, "He had also said that the human rights and discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be on top of his agenda while engaging with the Indian government."
“Garcetti's appointment as US ambassador to India comes with a great responsibility to promote and uphold the values of human rights and religious freedoms. It is also time for the Biden administration to stand with India’s religious minorities and demand accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for the atrocities committed against them,” said IAMC executive director Rasheed Ahmed.
"We hope that Ambassador Garcetti will live up to his promises and prioritize the protection of minorities during his tenure," he added.

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