By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nominee Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India on Wednesday, ending an almost two-year nomination combat over allegations the previous Los Angeles mayor mishandled office harassment complaints.

Senators backed Garcetti by 52-42, as seven Republicans joined nearly all of Democrats in supporting Garcetti and three Democrats joined most Republicans in voting no.

America has not had an envoy to New Delhi since January 2021, an absence that has loomed massive as Washington seems to be to India to be a associate in efforts to push again towards China’s increasing energy and affect.

Biden nominated Garcetti for the submit in July 2021 however he was held up partly attributable to questions on his dealing with of allegations of sexual harassment towards an aide when he was mayor. Garcetti has denied wrongdoing.

Los Angeles mayor from 2013 till a time period restrict pushed him from workplace final 12 months, Garcetti is near Biden and co-chaired his 2020 presidential marketing campaign.