The consulate will temporarily operate from JW Marriott, where the United States Commercial Service is currently based.
Published Jan 17, 2025 | 12:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 17, 2025 | 12:49 PM
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The United States inaugurated its consulate in Bengaluru on Friday, 17 January, in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
“It’s a great day today for Bengaluru, for India, and for our relations with the United States,” said Jaisankar in his speech.
Garcetti said that the US will soon make visa services available at the consulate.
“While visa services will not be available immediately, we are committed to bringing them here as soon as possible. This consulate will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborations in commerce, science, technology, education, and culture,” Garcetti said.
The consulate will temporarily operate from JW Marriott, where the United States Commercial Service is currently based.
S Jaishankar speaking during the inauguration ceremony. (X)
Jaishankar noted that the Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru issued 883,000 passports last year and said that the consulate was important in enhancing business, professional and personal commitments.
He added that he had spoken with the US to expedite the initiation of visa services.
“The formal opening of this consulate is a significant milestone. I understand the importance of initiating visa operations here, and this will remain a priority moving forward,” Jaishankar said.
Shivakumar said the consulate in Bengaluru was a vision set in motion 29 years ago during SM Krishna’s tenure as chief minister and described it as a testament to the deepening ties between the US and Karnataka.
“Despite infrastructure challenges, Bengaluru continues to attract Fortune 500 companies and remains a key player on the global stage,” Shivakumar said.
Meanwhile, Jaisankar added that India will be opening a consulate in Los Angeles of the US.
“The Ambassador didn’t tell you the full story — he and I had a deal. He promised me he would get Bengaluru done, and I would get him Los Angeles. And so, we’ll soon be opening a consulate in Los Angeles,” he said.
Noting the importance of Karnataka and Bengaluru in India-US relations he said, “In an era dominated by AI, space exploration, drones, and biotechnology, our relationship will increasingly be driven by technological collaboration.”
“Another area of collaboration is research, and with the new education policy, I hope we’ll see more academic partnerships and collaborative campuses in the near future. In a world where global supply chains are undergoing transformation, India and the U.S. are poised to lead in areas of trust and transparency in the digital space,” he added.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Karnataka ministers, MPs and other dignitaries.
