NEW DELHI: US Ambassador for India, Eric Garcetti, emphasized the remarkable success of Indian immigrants in the United States, noting that more than 10% of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies They are Indian immigrants who studied in the USA. In a statement that underscores the shift in corporate America, Garcetti said: “The old joke was that you couldn't become a CEO in the US if you were Indian, now the joke is that you can't become a CEO in the US. CEO in America if you are not Indian, whether it is Google, Microsoft or Starbucks, people have come and made a huge difference.”
During an interview at the American Center, the envoy highlighted the U.S. commitment to fostering people-to-people ties, particularly through educational exchanges, which he described as having the potential to “last a lifetime.” Garcetti revealed that the US mission in India is preparing to deal with an increasing number of student visa applications this year, reflecting a continuing trend of growing interest among Indian students in American education.
Commenting further on the visa process, Garcetti recalled President Joe Biden's directive to reduce visa wait times for Indians, saying, “He did it! I think this is the first time in American history that a president has told an ambassador – get those visas by waiting time is up.” The ambassador also highlighted the enthusiastic support for this initiative among Americans who want to strengthen ties with India.
Highlighting the depth of educational ties, Garcetti noted, “I think nothing unites our countries and our people more than our exchange students.” He elaborated on the profound impact of these exchanges, explaining how they facilitate mutual understanding and respect between the two nations.
The ambassador also addressed the logistical challenges of reducing visa wait times, but framed these challenges as positive indicators of the strong desire among Indians to engage with the US. Last year, the US issued a record number of 140,000 student visas to Indian applicants, the highest number in the world, demonstrating the significant demand and successful efforts of US consular services to meet these needs.
Garcetti's comments came during a pre-departure orientation for Indian students at the American Center, highlighting the ongoing commitment to promoting educational exchanges that build lasting relationships between India and the United States.
During an interview at the American Center, the envoy highlighted the U.S. commitment to fostering people-to-people ties, particularly through educational exchanges, which he described as having the potential to “last a lifetime.” Garcetti revealed that the US mission in India is preparing to deal with an increasing number of student visa applications this year, reflecting a continuing trend of growing interest among Indian students in American education.
Commenting further on the visa process, Garcetti recalled President Joe Biden's directive to reduce visa wait times for Indians, saying, “He did it! I think this is the first time in American history that a president has told an ambassador – get those visas by waiting time is up.” The ambassador also highlighted the enthusiastic support for this initiative among Americans who want to strengthen ties with India.
Highlighting the depth of educational ties, Garcetti noted, “I think nothing unites our countries and our people more than our exchange students.” He elaborated on the profound impact of these exchanges, explaining how they facilitate mutual understanding and respect between the two nations.
The ambassador also addressed the logistical challenges of reducing visa wait times, but framed these challenges as positive indicators of the strong desire among Indians to engage with the US. Last year, the US issued a record number of 140,000 student visas to Indian applicants, the highest number in the world, demonstrating the significant demand and successful efforts of US consular services to meet these needs.
Garcetti's comments came during a pre-departure orientation for Indian students at the American Center, highlighting the ongoing commitment to promoting educational exchanges that build lasting relationships between India and the United States.
