Garcetti confirmed as India ambassador after 20-month fight

Former L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti is confirmed as the nation's next ambassador to India.

The 52-42 vote gives the administration a long-sought victory in filling one of the country’s highest profile diplomatic posts.

The nomination has been freighted with questions about what the former mayor knew about sexual harassment allegations against his friend and once-close adviser.

Garcetti has repeatedly denied the claims.

The White House has defended Garcetti as a well-qualified candidate.

He took office in 2013 with a “back to basics’ agenda that centered on fixing L.A.’s notoriously cratered streets and sidewalks.

The former mayor has been credited with continuing a transit buildup in a city choked with traffic, and establishing tougher earthquake safety standards.