External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, inaugurated the new US Consulate in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India-US relations. Jaishankar emphasized that the opening of the consulate was long overdue, and it highlights the growing importance of Bengaluru in the bilateral relationship. He also announced that India would soon be opening its consulate in Los Angeles, the hometown of Ambassador Garcetti, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Jaishankar expressed the need for a permanent US diplomatic presence in Bengaluru, a city that plays a key role in India’s growth and technological advancements. He stated, "Bengaluru is such an important place, and it was imperative that American diplomats had a permanent presence here. It has been a long-awaited step. I told him (Garcetti) that once Bengaluru is done, I will make sure Los Angeles is done."

In his address, Jaishankar underscored the evolving potential of India-US relations, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space, and drones. He highlighted the growing technological collaboration, which will continue to shape the future of both countries. "Our relationship will increasingly be driven by technology, with a significant space component, as the space domain opens up further," he said, noting that defense collaboration has also strengthened, with advanced American weapons now part of India’s military inventory, including C-17s, C-130s, Chinooks, and Apaches.

The Minister also touched upon the importance of educational and research partnerships between India and the US. "I envision more collaborative campuses, student exchanges, and a stronger American educational presence in the region," he added.

Jaishankar concluded by noting that the formal opening of the consulate in Bengaluru was another step towards overcoming historical hesitations and advancing India’s deeper engagement with the world. He expressed hope that this development would encourage more consulates from other countries to open in Bengaluru, benefiting India, Karnataka, and the city itself.

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