Two years after he first arrived in Mumbai with his family, US Consul General Edgard Kagan says the friendships, conversations and experiences he has had in this span reaffirm what he already knew — that the relationship between the United States and India is incredibly robust. Now, as the US Consulate gets set to celebrate completion of 180 years in Mumbai, Kagan talks to mid-day about how to grow the US-India relationship further.

When asked how according to him the relationship between two countries has evolved in these 180 years, Kagan says, "About 180 years ago, our own nation was barely 60 years old, and Mumbai was Bombay. But, the United States has been here through so many milestones." He adds, "If we're honest, the United States and India have not always seen eye-to-eye, but friends don't always agree with each other, yet we respect each other." He says the strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate.