Eric Garcetti confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to India after 20-month fight

The former Los Angeles Mayor's nomination was pending before the U.S. Congress since July 2021 when he was nominated for the prestigious diplomatic posting by Mr. Biden

President Joe Biden's close aide Eric Garcetti won confirmation Wednesday from a divided Senate as the nation’s next ambassador to India, more than a year and a half after he was first nominated by the President and after weathering doubts about his truthfulness in a sexual harassment scandal involving a City Hall adviser.

The 52-42 vote gave the administration a long-sought victory with several Republicans breaking party discipline for the vote that they said was critical to fill one of the country’s highest-profile diplomatic posts.

Also read: U.S. Ambassadorial nominee Eric Garcetti nears last hurdle before confirmation

“It’s a national security imperative to immediately have an ambassador in place in India. We can’t afford to wait any longer,” said Indiana Sen. Todd Young, one of the Republican crossover votes.

The day began with uncertain prospects for Mr. Garcetti, a two-term, progressive Democrat first nominated to the diplomatic post by President Biden in July 2021.

With several Democrats defecting, Mr. Garcetti’s fate rested with Republican senators in a chamber often divided along partisan lines. He secured seven GOP votes, more than enough to make up for the Democratic breakaways.

Kansas Republican Roger Marshall said having an ambassador in place in India was vital in advancing relations among members of the “quad” — the U.S. India, Australia and Japan, which he said puts pressure on China.