New Delhi / US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday highlighted the close collaboration between his country and India in various fields, including technology, trade, environment and space. He said President Joe Biden told him that India is the most important country in the world to him.

Delivering the keynote address at the Indiaspora G20 forum, Garcetti said that Indian Americans comprise six per cent of taxpayers in the US.

“He (President Biden) told me, when he asked me to come here to serve, he said, this is the most important country in the world to me, I think something that no American president has ever uttered in the history of our two countries. Indian Americans constitute six per cent of taxpayers in the US," the envoy was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Garcetti's remarks came ahead of Biden's visit to India next month when he will attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Delhi.

The envoy said the two countries collaborated together in the space sector and stressed that "not even the sky is the limit". He described the US and India as two "powerful forces" in the world.

"From technology to trade, from the environment to women's empowerment, from small businesses to space, we used to say the sky is the limit. But now that we are working together in space, not even the sky is the limit. From the seabed to the heavens, the US and India are a force for good and a powerful force to move this world forward," Garcetti said.

Speaking about his "dream" of living in India, the envoy said he always wanted to come to the country, live in Bodh Gaya and pursue a Buddhist studies course, ANI reported.

“But politics got in the way. I got elected to the student council and I said I promised I'd serve. So my India dream kind of died, or so I thought. But the universe has a curious way of connecting people and dreams, and now suddenly, I'm living that dream here,” he said.

Recently, Garcetti completed 100 days as the US Ambassador in India. He posted a video on his X handle, which showed glimpses of his tours to various Indian states, meeting political leaders and people.

In a tweet, the envoy said he was excited to elevate the partnership between India and the US in his tenure.

"Celebrating 100 incredible days as the US Ambassador to India! During my first 100 days, I have explored 12 Indian states and UTs, savoured 200+ delicious Indian dishes and connected with amazing people. Thank you for the deep friendship and the warm welcome. I am excited to elevate US-India relations during my tenure!" the diplomat wrote on X on August 18.