US Opens Consulate in Bengaluru boosts India-US Ties

The United States on January 17 inaugurated its consulate in Bengaluru, the tech hub of India. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar termed the day as a "significant milestone" in India-US relations. This consulate will open doors for deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, science, technology, education, and culture between the two countries.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said that Bengaluru represents the synergy between the two countries, representing India's Silicon Valley in such an important way. Though visa services will not be available there immediately, Garcetti said that the consulate would work on making them as soon as possible.

Jaishankar pointed to the increasing need for easier travel and greater connectivity between the two countries, as evidenced by the 8.8 lakh passports issued last year by the Bengaluru Regional Passport Office. The three weekly flights to San Francisco, 3.5 lakh Indian students in the US, and a diaspora of five million people underlined the need for deeper engagement.

The consulate will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborations in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space technology, and defence. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the consulate's opening, saying it's a testament to the deepening ties between the US and Karnataka.

It will initially operate from JW Marriott but has plans for a larger campus. The US government is expanding its consulates in India, opening a new consulate in Ahmedabad, which would streamline visa services for Karnataka residents and reduce the reliance on facilities in Chennai and Hyderabad.

This development is expected to benefit techies, business visitors, and students, further strengthening the bond between India and the US. As Jaishankar noted, the consulate's opening is a significant step towards deeper engagement and cooperation between the two nations.

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