Blitz Bureau
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti officially inaugurated the new US Consulate in Bengaluru on January 17, highlighting a significant step in the strengthening of India-US ties. The event underscored the growing importance of the city in the bilateral relationship, with Jaishankar calling it an “important moment” for both nations.
During his address, Jaishankar emphasized the long-awaited necessity of a permanent American diplomatic presence in Bengaluru. “Bengaluru is such an important place, it was imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats here,” he said. “It has been something long in waiting. I told Ambassador Garcetti, ‘You get Bengaluru done, and I’ll get you Los Angeles done,’ which is his hometown. So, we will soon be opening our consulate in Los Angeles as well.”
Jaishankar highlighted the broader strategic importance of consulates, noting that one of their primary roles is to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral ties. He also expressed hope that Bengaluru would continue to grow as a hub for international diplomatic engagement, encouraging more countries to open consulates in the city.
