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US opens consulate in Bengaluru; India plans to establish mission in Los Angeles

NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

Bengaluru, India, January 17, 2025– To enhance diplomatic and cultural ties between India and the United States, the fifth U.S. consulate in India was officially inaugurated in Bengaluru on January 17, 2025. The event was marked by the presence of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

The new consulate, which currently operates out of a temporary facility at the JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road, aims to provide greater convenience to residents in Karnataka and neighboring regions. Prior to its opening, applicants seeking U.S. visa services had to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad. Plans are underway to establish a permanent facility, with Whitefield in East Bengaluru emerging as a potential site for the consulate’s permanent operations.

Although visa services are not yet available at the new consulate, both U.S. and Indian officials assured the public that efforts are being made to begin these services as soon as possible. This development is expected to benefit a large number of residents in Karnataka and surrounding states, reducing the burden of long-distance travel for visa-related matters.

The establishment of the consulate reflects the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, particularly in areas such as technology, space exploration, defense cooperation, and education. Bengaluru often hailed as the “Silicon Valley of India,” hosts nearly 700 U.S. companies and serves as a global hub for innovation and collaboration. The new consulate is expected to play a vital role in fostering these ties further.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlighted the strategic importance of the new consulate, stating, “This milestone underscores the strength of the U.S.-India relationship and our shared commitment to the future.” Dr. S. Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two countries.

In a reciprocal move, India is also planning to open a new consulate in Los Angeles, signaling a mutual effort to strengthen diplomatic outreach.

“A historic day for Bengaluru as the US Consulate was dedicated to the city today!,” read a statement by Tejaswi Surya (BJP), Member of Parliament, Bengaluru South. “This event reflects Bengaluru’s growing importance on the global stage and will immensely benefit lakhs of Bengalureans, including students, professionals, and families, by easing their US travel and visa requirements.”

Cover photo courtesy: Tejaswi Surya/Facebook.

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