Bengaluru, the technology and innovation hub of India, is set to welcome its first-ever US Consulate in January, according to US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. This landmark development will significantly enhance visa-related services for residents of Bengaluru and surrounding regions, who previously had to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for such assistance.
The establishment of the consulate has been championed by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who has been a vocal advocate for its necessity. Expressing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), Surya highlighted Bengaluru’s pivotal role as the IT capital of India, contributing 40% of the nation’s IT revenue. “For years, Bengaluru lacked a US Consulate, forcing residents to travel for visa work. I made it my mission to fulfill this as the MP for this wonderful city,” he stated.
Surya also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in making this initiative a reality. He noted that his advocacy began in 2019 and described Dr. Jaishankar’s support as a “no-brainer and a compelling ask.” Additionally, he praised Prime Minister Modi’s pivotal contributions, emphasizing that the establishment of the consulate was finalized during the Prime Minister’s 2023 visit to the United States, as part of broader reciprocal diplomatic efforts.
Ambassador Garcetti, during a recent interaction with the US-India Business Council (USIBC), described the absence of a consulate in Bengaluru as a “glaring oversight” for a city recognized globally for its contributions to technology and innovation. The opening of the consulate is expected to streamline visa processing for Bengaluru residents and symbolize the deepening bilateral ties between India and the United States.
The new consulate will join other US diplomatic missions in India, including the US Embassy in New Delhi, which serves as the official diplomatic mission of the United States to India and is located in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. The embassy also holds accreditation to Bhutan, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone in strengthening US-India relations while addressing the long-standing needs of the city’s residents. It is poised to enhance collaboration and foster greater connectivity between the two nations.
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