'You don't have to be Indian to care...' US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on Manipur violence

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, comments on the violence in Manipur and calls for promoting peace. "I don't think it's a strategic concern. I think it's about human concern," Garcetti said in Kolkata

Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, expressed his country's willingness to support India in addressing the violence in Manipur. He emphasized that Manipur is not only a strategic concern but also a matter of human concern for the United States. Garcetti conveyed his condolences for the recent tragic incident where a woman was shot outside a school in Manipur's Imphal West district.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Garcetti stressed the importance of peace and highlighted its role as a prerequisite for progress and development in the region. He extended the offer of US assistance, stating that they stand ready to help in any way if requested, acknowledging that it is primarily an Indian matter. Garcetti expressed his belief that collaboration, projects, and investments can flourish if peace prevails.

"You don't have to be Indian to care when we see children and individuals die in the sort of violence that we see [in Manipur] and we know that peace is the precedent for so many other good things. There have been so many other good things in the northeast and those can't continue without peace," he said.

The US Ambassador also emphasized the significance of the eastern and northeastern parts of India to the United States, emphasizing their people, places, potential, and future. He spoke about the shared challenges faced by democracies, both in the US and India, in upholding the principles of majority rule while protecting the voices and rights of all individuals. Garcetti acknowledged the struggle to maintain democracy and recognized that this challenge has existed since the founding of the Republic of India.

Garcetti made it clear that the US aims to be respectful and avoid any paternalistic behaviour in its relationship with India. He emphasized that India should determine its own path and reiterated the US's role as a friend, engaging in important conversations and promoting the rights of all individuals.

During his visit to Kolkata, Garcetti held discussions with West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and Amit Mitra, the principal chief advisor to the chief minister, focusing on economic opportunities, regional connectivity plans, cultural ties, and women's empowerment. He expressed the belief that both countries should invest in the future to foster peace and progress.