U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti, who was visiting Kolkata, on Thursday said the time is perfect for India and the US to start investing in the future.

Attending an event hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the envoy focussed on topics such as bilateral trade, investments, security, defense, clean energy, and technology and said India and the US should work together to achieve peace and prosperity.

The session, attended by notable figures including U.S. Consul General Melinda Pavek, Mehul Mohanka (President, Indian Chamber of Commerce), and Dr. Rajeev Singh (Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce), focused on topics such as bilateral trade, investments, security, defense, clean energy, and technology.

During his address, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations, stating, "Now is the perfect time for India and the U.S. to invest in the future and bring about peace and prosperity. Our connection has never accelerated this quickly, making this one of history's great moments."

Addressing the need for inclusive growth, Ambassador Garcetti highlighted the significance of initiatives such as The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), which supports women entrepreneurs in East and Northeast India, while also transforming the education system.

When discussing concerns regarding recent protests, Ambassador Garcetti assured the audience that the U.S. takes these threats seriously, with national authorities actively involved in countering them. Efforts have been made to collaborate with social media platforms to remove any threatening content, provide protection to Indian consulates and the Embassy, and ensure proper investigation of such incidents at the local level.

Ambassador Garcetti expressed the U.S.'s commitment to supporting industrial projects in India and promoting strategic connectivity. He emphasized the importance of transparent public-private partnership models to minimize corruption and avoid debt dependence, stating, "We want infrastructure to facilitate the improvement of human life and ensure freedom of navigation, open markets, and democracy."

Regarding visa processing rate, Ambassador Garcetti shared that the U.S. has significantly reduced wait times and increased visa approvals, highlighting Kolkata's high acceptance rate for student visas. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to explore more efficient processes, potentially reducing the need for face-to-face interactions.

The interactive session with Ambassador Eric Garcetti provided a platform for discussing crucial aspects of the U.S.-India relationship and exploring opportunities for collaboration. The event underscored the shared vision of both nations to foster mutual growth and strengthen ties in various fields, promoting peace and prosperity for the future.