The India-US partnership is a bit like the crunch of the fafda complementing the succulent sweetness of jalebi. They work extremely well in tandem. It is not surprising then that American Consul General Mike Hankey, who says he is here to strengthen and take ahead a 75-year-old partnership between the two countries, recalled savouring the Gujarati snack on a recent trip to Ahmedabad.

Hankey, who has taken over from outgoing CG David Ranz, likes to feel the pulse of a place by engaging with people on the ground. In this exclusive interview to mid-day, he speaks about his plans for India-US ties, the partnership’s place in the global scenario, visa anxiety for Indians and how Mahatma Gandhi’s message, especially today on October 2, is a sharp reminder in a turbulent world.