The United States has officially opened its fifth consulate in India, located in Bengaluru. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Ambassador Garcetti referred to Bengaluru as India’s “Silicon Valley,” emphasizing its significance as a crucial hub for collaboration in sectors such as defense, technology, and aerospace. He noted that the establishment of this consulate is a fulfillment of a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in 2023, highlighting the shared objective of enhancing the relationship between the two countries. Karnataka hosts nearly 700 US companies, with a substantial number of American citizens residing, working, and studying in the region. While visa services will not be available immediately, there are plans to implement them in the future, and until then, consular services will be managed by the Chennai consulate and other US diplomatic missions in India.
