EP-153 | Khalistan Saga, CAA Row, India-U.S. Ties, Bollywood & Cricket with U.S. Envoy Eric Garcetti 

Two rule of Geopolitics Rule 1. Don't trust America Rule 2. Never forget rule no. 1

This interview is a masterclass of how to talk a lot but say nothing. Fake smiles & evasive words galore.

She shoupd have asked him in which court of law did USA convict Osama Bin Laden before violating a sovereign country and killing him? Amd why shouldn't India do the same?

Why is Julian Assange going to be convicted in America if there is freedom of speech?

No country should interfere in India's Internal matters

Arnab is the best person to interview such a cunning US ambassador.

I hope Mr Ambassador reads these comments to know on ground distrust and anger within common Indians for US. No wonder Indians consider Russia to be thrir friend and not uncle Sam.

*What about Julian Assange and Edward Snowden's Freedom of Speech* ? *Total Hypocrisy* *There is no Freedom of Speech in America*

He's cunning and we shouldn't trust him at all

How smartly he uses his words to condescend and even insult Indians, saving his country against any allegations

It's easy to say what Garcetti said at @9:05 about differences in freedom of speech in US v. India. What happened right after 911 ... when the USA was under threat from Islamic terrorism, was freedom of speech protected with the same zeal that he is now talking with? Remember the "see something say something" policy and how people were persecuted by the State just because someone called the FBI line - perhaps because of a bias that they harbored? It is easy to sit on a high horse and pretend to take the moral high ground when it suits you.

Here this man IS aware of khangress and kejriwals wrongdoings but still is hanging on to his version. This is the height of hypocrisy

*He is a liar remember!!!* *Dogla hai vo yaad rahe!!!*

His take on Pannu gave away the entire interview. Saved my precious time...😊

*What Free Speech* ?? *You Even Block Comments on RU-vid* !!!

The anchor is not pressing him on why his govt has double standards on dealings with accusations against the Indian govt with accusations against Pannu. On Pannu he says there’s no strong evidence but when involves the indian govt, he says indian govt must co operate fully.

😂I wasted 56 minutes of my internet watching this interview.😂 Never trust the U S A.

Sorry Smitha but it should have been an Interview with Palaki Sharma to bring the best value for the money.

Everytime the ambassador says we do not arrest people for just saying something, Smita should ask why the courts there are after Trump for tweeting something 😂

Indian journos should learn to ask questions about other nations’ domestic issues as well. I wonder why Smita didn’t ask/tell about how shoddy US elections were and that they should learn from Indian CEC how to conduct a federal election

We hope Trump, the main opposition leader, gets a free n fair trial in America. Hope the government is not persecuting their main opposition before the elections. so many indictments, Courts banning him from running state elections, putting over $300 million fine etc would have rung alarm bells in most countries!

Every word he says shows how America is a double-faced snake.😂😂

Eric Garcetti is not a terrible person per se and he probably understands India quite a lot BUT even he unfortunately does not understand the basic Indian psyche. He said the US also has flaws & he's open to criticism but he simply does not comprehend that the Indian government is not interested in preaching or policing the US and trusts them to fix whatever they think is wrong AND India wishes to not be preached and policed by the US either(at least not openly and DEFINITELY not during the election season!). The US cannot do anything to Pannu "because of US free speech law"(but even remotely or jokingly threatening the US president would get one sent to guantanamo???) FINE SO WHY COMMENT ON INDIAN LAWS LIKE CAA, FARM LAWS AND ED'S ARREST OF CORRUPT CM'S??? India is very happy to do business with the US but the relations will ALWAYS have some hiccups as long as the US does not understand basic respect of Indian psyche and culture-DO NOT MEDDLE IN INTERNAL INDIAN AFFAIRS AS INDIA IS AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY WHO CAN DECIDE WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG AND CAN AMEND OR FIX THINGS IF AND WHEN SHE WANTS USING HER OWN LAWS WITHIN HER OWN ASSEMBLY IN HER OWN TIME! US is a friend and should avoid being a "know it all, know it better, my way or the highway" MASTER, India is not pakistan who suckled on US tits for decades!

😂 He should focus on the elections in his own country. Biden is going to have a humiliating defeat.

India does not have machine guns on the streets

The jock of Century:- Terrorism has no religion 😂😂

8:25 so he's saying Americans Citizens are allowed to issue death threats, call for murder, instigate violence, and be a threat to any countries national sovereignty, and there's nothing anyone can do about it if the person doesn't physically carry out the action. Did Osama fly the planes into the towers? Didn't stop them going half way round the world to take him out. Suppose the laws were different then? Reminds me of the days terrorists across the border were labelled 'freedom fighters'. Nothing could be done then, till it became a problem to them. Sadly, it sounds like their attitudes have not changed.

US also have CAA for minorities Christian and Jews from another country , so why US pointing us about discrimination for Muslim ...😂😂

This guy being US citizen thinks he has natural responsibility to interfere in others internal affairs. Bharat should teach the west a lesson. GOI should be more proactive. India is a not a pushover. We should make the world bend when we speak.

Mr Ambassador: why no action on arson attack on Indian Consulate in SF, more than 6 months after the attack?

*What about the Freedom of Speech of Edward Snowden ?*

Reporter : *Sir! Your pant zip is open.* Eric : We have a strong relationship with India and we are working very closely.

Useless interview. Too well rehearsed. Lying from teeth.

M’s Prakash. Good you called him. India is the most important country to them - on their terms and bidding and minus a strong leader who don’t dance. That’s a fact

The war on Ukraine was not unwarranted? Why is NATO expanding? Why are you arming NATO nations with border level missiles? ANSWERS Please?

Is he saying, threatening violence on others publicly is not a crime in America? It’s free speech?

Mr Ambassador: I’ll-informed comments on internal affairs of India is unwarranted, and certainly not a sign of “most consequential relationship “.

While the United States represents about 4.2 percent of the world's population, it houses around 20 percent of the world's prisoners. Corrections (which includes prisons, jails, probation, and parole) cost around $74 billion in 2007 as per US BJS . USA is the leaing jailer of the world. Jails are overflowing that's why verbal violence and theft cases up to 900 USD is not attended.

100% - Smart 20% - Genuine I guess this works when you are sole superpower on planet. India might have to be more powerful I guess to expect 100% genuineness. Indians should work smart to enhance comprehensive national power.

US arrogance vis-a-vis India will only diminish once India attain science and technology independence and has 20 plus trillion economy.

Smitha, you should have asked, " What they would do if the US President was threatened " ?

This guy is full of double standards. Once he says they can't take action against Pannu because there is no action but at the same time they are blaming India for pannu's assassination, which never happened. Why do they want to arrest Nikhil Sharma? Why is US supporting pakistan and no word about their election process. The whole world has lost hope with US because of its double standards. It is a shameless democracy which doesn't value relationships.

I trust blindly Russian federation in every manner instead of USA. Russian federation never hurt our national security like USA.

They try to Interfere in Our Affairs and Later cry about Why India is Not supporting the west on Ukraine, Democracy etc😂😂 Anyways,The Ball is in India's Court thanks to It's Burgeoning Tech, Economic and Diplomatic Power

Americans want that in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan religious minorities should be persecuted. They do not believe in humanitarian help for them. That is why they are against CAA which is unacceptable to human value.

This man is the epitome of typical American doublespeak

Why he, who is of AntiIndia mentality ,has been sent to India as the US ambassador on the eve of our crucial Loksabha election?He visits 22 states of India,why?Is there a secret plan to topple Modi Govt ?

Ericed Gargabe. Should not interfere in Bharats internal affairs.

Lot of indians criticise usa for t argetting india since indias independence and yet indians refuse to boycott usa,hollywood,us celebrities etc.

Eric Garcetti was a mayor of my adjacent city. I have seen how people were dead against him! He had a very poor track record…He is a political appointee in India and not a career diplomat. Anyway, no point in discussing Eric’s bad record as a mayor here. In recent days, there has been lot of bad publicity of Biden administration in India and within Indian diaspora in US, due to Pannun statements and Biden administration commenting on Kejariwal’s arrest. Eric came to your show, to directly put US side in front of the Indian public and try to improve bad public image. I look at Pannun issue and US commenting in India’s internal matter in a different way. I will explain this in coming paragraphs. But before that let me tell why Eric is sent to India. I agree with what Eric said in the interview that when he was appointed as US ambassador to India, Biden told him that India is most important country for US. This is half truth…What Biden meant was, India is most important country for US…BUT it’s government should be under US control. US will not tolerate India’s independent stand in the international affairs. This is all happening because of Modi. Hence Biden cannot accept Modi’s third term in power. Pull down modi and US will be a good friend to India again. This is the only mission for which Eric is sent to India. When Eric’s nomination for ambassador’s position was proposed, at that time we Indians living in US knew, this man is being sent to create internal trouble in India. Before being appointed as ambassador, he made very offensive comments about India’s freedom of speech, democracy, religious freedom etc. That is how we Indian Americans knew, this man is being sent by Biden to create trouble and possibly a REGIME CHANGE. And he is doing exactly the same as we can see. Now let’s talk about US support to Khalistan, Pannun and support to Kejariwal. First of all what Eric said about freedom of speech in America is a big BS. What Eric said in your interview that US does not prosecute anyone just because they said something but takes action only if that person indulge in the crime… If what Eric said is true then… My simple question to him is, can he prove how many detainees in Guantanamo Bay prison were really terrorist? Majority of them were arrested just because they had some alleged connection with the wanted terrorists. They had done nothing wrong to US or did not act against US interests. But still they were arrested, tortured inhumanly. And to avoid US laws on prisoner torture, they were kept in Guantanamo Bay, so that US laws does not apply. Where was US freedom of speech for these innocent people, who were arrested, tortured just out of SPECULATION? Has Eric forgotten all this recent US history? Or he has memory loss like his boss, Biden? Or he thinks, Indians are fools? Back to Khalistan, Pannun and US support to Kejariwal… I had studied Kejariwal 10 years back in details. I looked at how he was NOMINATED for a seat in IIT kharakpur, how he started two NGO’s, who funded them, how he did not give accounts of these NGO’s and when questions were asked about the accounts, he closed both the NGO’s. Based on this analysis, 10 years back, I had said this man is a fraud, dishonest and a foreign agent. All my predictions made 10 years back are coming true. Pannun is a declared terrorist in India. India has enough evidence to tag him as a terrorist but still US is giving him safe house and protecting him. There are lots of other Khalistani eliments getting safe heaven in US. We see their nefarious activities in the Gurudwara here in US. I do not want to list them here. The point is, still US is not acting against such terrorists and in fact protecting them saying, they have not acted wrong. My worry is, US should learn from its past mistakes. Terrorists cannot be friend of anyone. US supported jihad in Afghanistan to defeat USSR… but then same terrorists and same nations did 9/11 attacks. US must learn from the past mistakes. What is the guarantee that someday, Khalistani, Pakistani, ISI, other terrorists groups unite and attack US mainland again? Hence US should stop hobnobbing with terrorists by labeling them as good terrorists and bad terrorists. Kejariwal is a nurtured asset of deep state actors. With his arrest, there is a danger that he will spill all the beans to the Indian investigation agencies. This will give advantage to India to expose these deep state actors at some international forum. Hence US is playing this dirty game to cover its tracks. On one hand, Pannun who is a CIA asset, made an allegation that he paid 16M USD to Kejariwal. This is a BURN NOTICE for Kejariwal. Allegation from a declared terrorist will destroy Kejariwal’s credibility completely. And politically he would be finished. So this is BURN NOTICE for Kejariwal. On the other side, US made a statement to treat Kejariwal fairly and quickly. And said, US is watching… This is done to put India under international pressure, so that India should not say anything against the deep state actors at the international forum. Condemn India internationally for its poor law & order, corrupt judiciary & religious intolerance, so that India will come under international pressure & will not be able to say anything against deep state actors. Use this as a quid pro quo to silence India… US must be looking at other options to replace Kejariwal. One of such person is already in UK another one is in US… let’s see who gets selected? This is the real game. I think Modi knew what was coming on him, if he arrested Kejariwal. It is a very big political risk during elections. There is a possibility that some judge who is also influenced by deep state actors, might grant bail to Kejariwal…. And this will be politically suicidal for Modi. But still he gave a green signal for the arrest because I think, he must have got some intel for disrupting general elections in India by such foreign agents. Hence he must have taken this political risk. Let’s see what happens.

When nehruvian secularism was in power for 65 year with no hindu muslim fighting😊 and only focus on education and growth :- 1) we had 1984 . 2) most communal violence happened in this regime. 3)26/11 happened and in aftermath , we did what exactly? 4) poverty at its peak . 5) joblessness 6) women safety at worst . 7) secularist throwing opposition out of power by misusing president rule . 8) caste discrimination . 9) bollywood having free pass to mock and question Hinduism and its tradition (karva chaut ) But never showed anything similar in other religion 10) indoctrination of our children with theories like we are a defeated community since they only highlighted battles that we lost . No talk of bappa rawal who won entire central asia single handedly.

Ask him about CIA and Ford Foundation or Rock fellow institutes interference in India’s democracy ……what about CIA funding Kejriwal?

While freedom of speech is indeed a fundamental right in the United States, it's crucial to recognize that this right comes with responsibilities, especially in matters pertaining to international relations and security. Threats of violence or harm, whether directed at individuals, organizations, or nations, cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of speech. Such actions undermine peace, stability, and cooperation among nations.

Real enemy of hindu and india is This USA 🇺🇸proved by ambassador confession😂❤❤❤❤

Gaar Shetti pls tell us why we shouldn't be discussing Izlam like any other theology.

Oh man .. I made the mistake of taking a tequila shot every time he said US and India are working ‘incredibly closely’ and that they take everything ‘Incredibly seriously’ .. I have an incredible hangover now

According to this Guy threatening a flight of Air India is " Freedom of Expression "

so disappointed by ANI - why didnt you ask the ambassador about ""Lautenberg Amendment"" on his unwanted wisdom

Am sorry this is one program that within 10 minutes I could see my lack of trust growing So I switched off. This is the first time. Even DK I listened 100%

He says the US ambassador is "monitoring" the situation in India? Why? Who appointed him as monitor?

Smita Prakash must have asked him about Julian Assange. Asked about his Freedom of speech and expression and right to life. These questions must be asked in every platform in US. India must reply in the exact same way.

everything he say sound so fake and indecent

Mr Gaar Shetti, Mr Pannu, a US citizen from US soil has claimed he gave 16 million $ to one of the politicians in Bharat. Is this not election interference? We expect u to track this terror funding. Why are u harboring terrorists in US?

What is amazing is that this guy could not manage a city in his own country.And here he is ‘ monitoring’ human rights in a country as complex as India.Where are the hard questions,ANI ?

proud to indian living under government with foreign minister s. jaishankar he is best person to show rightful place to our enemy countries

I loved the way Smita homed in on Khalistanis. Bravo. He tried to avoid it

The host should have digged into his understanding of CAA. any strong debater would have shredded his argument.

As hindu indian 🇮🇳appricite confession of USA 🇺🇸to supporting Hinduphobic Anti india Khalistani movement❤

What…did he say ‘just threats are not serious until those goes into action’? Has he lost it! Watch at 11.05 of the time. But just an allegation, not even a threat or any action carried, to assassinate Pannu is taken seriously? Clear double standards of USA…once again.

Something about the dude doesn't sit well with me.

What b.s.!

Smita you should have asked him about David Headly , Is that not a red line done by a US citizen and why US protecting him

Would Garcetti care to comment on CIA role in the assassinations of our PM Lal Bahadur Shastry and nuclear scientist Homi Bhabha?

Hi ma'am, he's dodging the questions...hiding behind freedom of speech and ongoing investigation.

I understand Smita Mam's predicament as the guy is the ambassador so a certain decorum has to be maintained but the indian in me feels that she could have pushed the ambassador a little more on the Khalistan issue & the interference of US in Indian domestic matters

Honestly everyone knows that there have been numerous instances in past where American establishment says something about idealism and their actions are totally opposite. So they can't be trusted merely on words but only actions should be seen. That being said I'm not against America of course but working constructively where both nations GENUINELY BENEFIT is VERY IMPORTANT. But numerous examples which he speaks but American action have been opposite are as follows: 1) In Pannu case America is being so protective to him whereas if anyone like a normal citizen would talk about putting a bomb in airport or flight then he'll be grounded, jailed or atleast arrested and throughly investigated. 9:30: USA is allowing people to come in freely, where did the law go there? 14:53: how about quesim sulemani, countless drone strikes killing citizen of other nations. Isn't that exactly opposite of what he said and we know for a fact that they have done it. (I'm Not defending terrorists like bin Laden but CIA has killed numerous people) CIA has killed a lot of Indian scientist and nuclear scientists too. He's talking about religions minorities wrt CAA. I wonder Do they even know what CAA is about? Its about protecting religious minorities in other nations, esp Islamic nations. Why would India accept a Muslim from an "Islamic nations" a nation which is made for Muslims and no one else?? The only reason they could be giving statements like these is to maintain that interest or descending voices or have that anger sentiment in some people alive I think. Remember don't listen to words, see the actions but it's very important to work with Americans and ensure that things are done that's beneficial to both the countries.

1. Given India's strong stance against terrorism and separatism, how does the US justify its perceived leniency or lack of action towards individuals or groups advocating for Khalistan, especially those believed to be operating from American soil? 2. What measures is the US government taking to prevent any activities or funding originating from within its borders that support separatist movements like Khalistan, which pose a threat to India's sovereignty and security? 3. How does the US plan to cooperate with India in combating the resurgence of Khalistani extremism, particularly in light of recent incidents and intelligence reports suggesting external support? 4. Does the US recognize the gravity of the Khalistan issue and its potential to destabilize the region? If so, what concrete steps is the US taking to address this concern and support India's efforts in maintaining peace and security? 5. Can the US assure India that it will not provide refuge or sanctuary to individuals or organizations involved in promoting violence or terrorism under the pretext of freedom of speech or expression? 6. In light of the historical ties between certain elements in the US and Khalistani extremists, how does the US plan to ensure that its policies and actions do not inadvertently support or embolden such groups? 7. What diplomatic initiatives is the US undertaking to address India's concerns regarding external support for Khalistani separatism, including engaging with countries or entities known to have links with these groups?

Edward Snowden & Julian Assange laughing in the closet😅😅😅... what a great example for Freedom of speech!!!!

HE Eric Garcetti should be reminded that that the waiting list, for biometrics collection, and the interview at the Embassy, is an year long - FOR A TOURIST VISA. I applied in Jan 2024, and I've got dates in Jan 2025. So much for strengthening America - India ties.

Smitaji, Thanks a lot for taking this interview. I have seen Indian Diplomats grilled by Western media with utmost care to insult and without having proper knowledge of subject and that to in the higest of the tone. You have asked question (with dicency and pleasent tone)-that Indians are concerned about but escaped with intangeble answer. ( it alwasy interest American vest in ). What make me feel impressed in this interview , you never pitch question in high tone , harsh voice inspite of the fact that individual has given death threats to our country Prime minister( Joke -freedom of speech and vibrant democracy) My take away is just as situation changes there are few fellow who wish to be your friends and dump you when not needed. Because cunning people interest is in his benefit not with relationship. regards, sanjay

His smile clearly tells don’t trust me , I’m Mr fake.

Gaar Shetti why does Xinese get Visa in 2 days while we get in 2 years sometimes more

To be on safe side, avoid discussion on culture, politics etc in public places

If there is ever a human equivalent of 'sly fox', it is this man. Everything about him- body language, tone, smile, words are so un-authentic

Dear Smita thank you for an excellent podcast. As an Indian American living in the US and fiercely patriotic and proud of both India and the US I had a lot of questions that I wanted to know the answers to and YOU asked them! Defence, Khalistan, CAA to name a few. I too wondered about the delay in naming an ambassador to India. ALL my questions were asked by you thumbs up !

Talking publically about another country's internal matters is unfriendly posture whereas seeking clarification privately is concern of a friend!

So many skeletons buried in their own closets....

Ask him about Lautenberg Amendment, what does he think about that? Isnt CAA basically a parallel law to it?

Fake affection fake smile this is US ambassador for you Mr. Eric Garcetti

If freedom of intimidation through speech is not crime then 99% of any sought of crime will not be crime until it is committed.

You should've asked him tough question & grilled more him on tht

America is a democratic country not a dictatorship like India 🤩😎

Informative podcast 👍

Lots of words, lots of cliches but no facts. Typical American smooth talk - talk for hours but say nothing. Couldn’t watch anymore after 10 mins - such a bloody liar.

I wish Smita prakash interviews Vivek Ramaswamy

Fantastic coverage of topics

He advocates for the perspective that addressing Pannu's actions might not be necessary at this point, as he primarily espouses opinions rather than engaging in concrete actions. However, it's worth contemplating how differently such rhetoric would be received if it originated from within India discussing potential threats to American airlines. While it's important to respect the legal frameworks of different nations, it's also essential to ensure consistency and avoid double standards when engaging in discussions about the internal affairs of other countries.

This guy is a snake beware guys.

What about iftari held for kashmiri anti india individual's by this guy recently St his embassy. Is usa trying to ignite the separatist and terrorism movment in kashmir to destabilise and weaken india so india becomes a pet of usa or is it a political interference strategy to weaken modi prior the elections ? How about usa advising the world specialy under democrates to empress iligale migrants with open arms and then when india is fast trekking citizenship to such persicuted non Muslims fron fantic Islamic countries then what is the issue with usa . Ofcourse we belive and rightly so that no Muslim was persicuted relgiouly in thease 3 fantic Islamic countries thus there are no illigale Muslim migrants in india who have come hear because of relgiouse persecution from these 3 Islamic countries , so what is the problem with usa if we are finalt after 75 years giving huge relief to such religiously persicuted migrants from named 3 country by fast trekking their citizen ship . And remember its only fast trekking as they wear going to get citizenship anyways because of our commitments to them during partition in 1947 but it would have taken probebly another 75 years till their decendents saw light at the end of the long dark tunnel after 150 years. Caa is only shortening that long dark tunal by few decades for this persicuted people by Islamic fantics in the named 3 countries so what is usa which run by leftists parasites right now has problem with CAA?

Here we go round the mulberry bush …. Typical non straight talk lot of bs round and round - pretence of straight talk