Minister Priyank Kharge, BJP MP Surya welcome opening of US consulate in Bengaluru in January

BENGALURU: After US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, announced the operation of a US Consulate in Bengaluru, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge and Bangalore South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya welcomed the news that the Consulate would open in January 2025.

“This is great and exciting news. The US Consulate is set to open in Bengaluru in January 2025. This will be a huge boost for the Karnataka and it will further enhance the economic prowess of the state. It will help strengthen ties between India and the US, fostering closer diplomatic, technological and economic collaborations”, he posted on X citing a news report.

Delivered as Promised!

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in several discussions with the US Ambassador, HE. Eric Garcetti, and key representatives from the US Consulate, the Trade Mission, and the American Chamber of Commerce in India. At the heart of… pic.twitter.com/hNDlbrXiaB

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 20, 2024

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya welcomed the setting up of the Consulate in Bengaluru in the second week of January 2025 and said that it would be a historic milestone for the city. According to an official release, BJP MP has continuously pushed for the opening of the Consulate in Bengaluru, which contributes 40 pc of India’s IT revenue and home to lakhs of tech professionals.

Surya had highlighted that the absence of a dedicated US Consulate in the city compelled thousands of residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for US visa-related services. Citing a news report, Surya expressed his gratitude to PM Modi, EAM Jiashankar and US Ambassadors Kenneth Juster and Eric Garcetti.

Big update for Bengalureans –
January date set for the establishment of the US Consulate in Namma Ooru

For years, Bengaluru—the IT capital contributing 40% of India’s IT revenue—lacked a US Consulate, forcing residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for visa work. I made it… pic.twitter.com/vRMgOmiIle

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) December 20, 2024

“This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of PM Sri Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless support of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar. Their commitment to promoting Bengaluru’s interests has ensured the fulfilment of this long-pending demand. I also thank US Ambassadors Kenneth Juster and Eric Garcetti for their unwavering support”, Surya wrote on X.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in 2023, he had announced the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru on a reciprocal basis. Since then, plans had been under way to finalise the location for the Consulate in Bengaluru.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti confirmed the consulate’s January 2024 inauguration in a US-India Business Council meeting on Thursday. On Friday, Garceti met with MD of US India Business Council Rahul Sharma and said, ” Had a great discussion with USIBC MD on how U.S. and Indian businesses can integrate progress, principles, and persistence to fulfill shared commitments. Together, we are driving US India forward for Prosperity — creating opportunities not just for our people, but for the Indo Pacific and the world. Thank you USIBC for the opportunity to highlight how our two nations are advancing economic ties and building a brighter, more prosperous future for all”.

The establishment of the Consulate is expected to simplify visa application processes for thousands of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, enhance bilateral trade and collaboration, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors and strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a global hub for commerce and technology, the official release stated. (ANI)