US Consulate in Bengaluru to Open in January: Ambassador Eric Garcetti
By Punenow News
Dec 20, 2024, 08:12 PM IST
In an important and much anticipated move to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and India, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, confirmed the imminent opening of a US Consulate in Bengaluru by January. The announcement was made during an interactive session hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) on Thursday.
Fulfilling a Long-Standing Promise
The establishment of a consulate in Bengaluru marks a critical step in addressing a longstanding gap in the US diplomatic presence. Highlighting the importance of the city, Garcetti remarked that the US is the only major country without a consulate in Bengaluru, a hub of technology, innovation, and education.
This development follows the 2023 announcement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, where he and President Joe Biden revealed plans to set up consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
Benefits for Bengaluru Residents
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya emphasized the impact of the new consulate, stating, “The people of Bengaluru had to travel to Chennai, Hyderabad, or New Delhi for US visa-related work, which cost them between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000. With the consulate in Bengaluru, four to five lakh people from Karnataka can now get their visa requirements addressed locally.”
The city already hosts a US Foreign Commercial Service office, symbolizing growing ties between the nations. The upcoming consulate will further enhance accessibility and foster stronger connections between the two countries.
The US Consulate in Bengaluru is expected to be operational by January 2025, making it a significant milestone in US-India relations.
