New Delhi, January 17, 2025:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar described the new US consulate in Bengaluru as a major milestone in India-US bilateral ties, and he urged American authorities to speed up its opening, especially in the area of visa services.
Site Inauguration Function Held at Bengaluru
The formal “site dedication ceremony” for the fifth US consulate in India was held in Bengaluru, which was attended by a range of dignitaries, including US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and prominent industry leaders such as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.
Dr. Jaishankar stressed the need to start visa operations immediately to meet the high demand for US travel and services in Bengaluru.
This will be my number one talking point with Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio when I meet him. The sooner we get it done, the better,” Jaishankar said.
Underlining Bengaluru’s Global Importance
Dr. Jaishankar presented statistics to underpin Bengaluru’s crucial importance:
The Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru issued 8,83,000 passports alone in 2023, indicating a massive need for overseas travel.
With three direct weekly flights to San Francisco and hope of further linkage, he underlined the city’s increased global footprint.
He underlined that presence of consulate would further collaborate in the areas of technology, education, and defense, further cementing Bengaluru’s position as a linkage city for India-US collaboration.
Commitments and Future Plans
Jaishankar mentioned that the talks were discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions in June 2023 with US officials over the consulate. He also assured India of a reciprocal commitment to open a consulate in Los Angeles.
“This consulate is not just a facility but a testament to overcoming the hesitations of history. Bengaluru deserved this, and it aligns with the broader vision of India-US strategic relations,” he said.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti Remarks
Ambassador Garcetti, who is approaching the end of his tenure in India, has expressed pride over this initiative.
He mentioned that India hosts America’s second-largest diplomatic mission around the world.
He mentioned that there are record achievements in visa issuance, student exchanges, and military collaborations, showing the robust partnership.
“From the seabed to space, the India-US relationship is breaking records,” Garcetti said.
Bengaluru: A City of Global Prominence
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar concurred, saying that despite the city’s problems, Bengaluru had always held strategic global importance.
“India is seen from Bengaluru. It has tested itself as the safest and most viable city for overseas companies to locate headquarters,” he added.
Tejasvi Surya, Priyank Kharge, and M. B. Patil, ministers, also emphasized the state’s intent to invest in Karnataka’s infrastructure and innovation platform to facilitate such international endeavors.
The US consulate in Bengaluru is a new chapter in the India-US relations. It will further strengthen people-to-people ties and position the city as a global hub for innovation and diplomacy. The two nations look forward to seeing the consulate be a catalyst for mutual growth and cooperation.