Eric Garcetti, President Joe Biden’s close aide, was officially sworn in as the US Ambassador to India by Vice President Kamala Harris. This ended over two years of delay to fill one of Washington’s most critical diplomatic positions. Garcetti’s daughter Maya held the Hebrew Bible during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday.

Garcetti raised his right hand while Harris performed the ceremony. The ceremony was attended by his close family members, including wife Amy Wakeland, father Gil Garcetti, mother Sukey Garcetti and mother-in-law Dee Wakeland. “It feels great. Can’t wait to serve,” Garcetti, 52, said when asked about his new diplomatic assignment. “I'm so honoured the vice president did this,” he further added.