Published Dec 20, 2024 | 7:46 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 20, 2024 | 7:46 PM
Bengaluru to get US Consulate in January 2025 (@PriyankKharge on X)
In a major development for Bengaluru, the city will finally have its own US Consulate, set to open in January 2025. The announcement, made by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, marks the culmination of years of efforts to bring vital diplomatic services closer to the city’s residents, especially in light of Bengaluru’s role as India’s IT hub.
Bengaluru, which contributes 40 percent of India’s IT revenue, has long lacked a US Consulate, forcing many residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for visa and consular services.
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for IT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj noted his extensive discussions with US Ambassador Garcetti and other US officials in the run-up to the announcement.
“The establishment of a consulate in Bengaluru was an inevitable conclusion, given the city’s global stature as a hub for technology and innovation,” Kharge said.
Delivered as Promised!
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in several discussions with the US Ambassador, HE. Eric Garcetti, and key representatives from the US Consulate, the Trade Mission, and the American Chamber of Commerce in India. At the heart of… pic.twitter.com/hNDlbrXiaB
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 20, 2024
Kharge also emphasised the long-term vision of creating sister city partnerships between Bengaluru and major US cities, strengthening cultural, economic, and business exchanges. “These partnerships will drive growth in commerce, education, healthcare, and technology,” he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah thanked US Ambassador Garcetti for his commitment to the project.
“A US Consulate in Bengaluru will bolster Karnataka’s global connectivity, enhance trade, attract investments, and make visa services more accessible for our people.
Bengaluru’s rise as a global hub continues!,” he said.
Karnataka’s global aspirations are taking flight!
In September, I urged US Ambassador Mr. Eric Garcetti to establish a US Consulate in Bengaluru. Today, it’s heartening to see the US reaffirming its commitment to make this a reality by January 2025.
A US Consulate in Bengaluru… pic.twitter.com/TysAwy3Cqu
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 20, 2024
BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru MP took to X, to credit his persistent efforts for the breakthrough.
Big update for Bengalureans –
January date set for the establishment of the US Consulate in Namma OoruFor years, Bengaluru—the IT capital contributing 40% of India’s IT revenue—lacked a US Consulate, forcing residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for visa work. I made it… pic.twitter.com/vRMgOmiIle
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) December 20, 2024
“As the MP for this wonderful city, I made it my mission to bring the US Consulate to Bengaluru,” he wrote, recalling how he first raised the issue with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar in November 2019.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
