BENGALURU, India (Diya TV) — The United States inaugurated its new consulate in Bengaluru on Friday, marking a milestone in U.S.-India relations and solidifying ties in key sectors such as technology, defense, and education.
The much-awaited consulate, located at the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) office on Vittal Mallya Road, was inaugurated by U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Though the consulate will not initially process visa applications, officials underlined its future role in facilitating mobility, tourism, and business connections.
“While visa services will not be offered initially, we are committed to bringing those services here as soon as possible,” Garcetti said. “This consulate will be pivotal in fostering deeper connections between our nations.”
Jaishankar hailed the opening as a “new milestone,” emphasizing Bengaluru’s role as India’s tech capital and its contributions to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and advanced space exploration.
In preparation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 state visit to the U.S., it was decided that a consulate should be established in Bengaluru. Jaishankar revealed that the opening of the consulate was linked to plans for a reciprocal Indian consulate in Los Angeles. “As we celebrate this milestone, I am happy to share that a new Indian consulate in Los Angeles will soon follow,” he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other regional leaders attended the ceremony, pointing to the advantages this consulate will have for American business interests in Karnataka and the state’s residents seeking easier access to U.S. services.
