Bengaluru: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday underscored the growing significance of Bengaluru as a pivotal player in the strengthening of India-US relations, with the announcement of the forthcoming opening of the American consulate in the city.
This marks a key milestone in bilateral ties, particularly in the realms of business, technology, defence, and education.
Jaishankar highlighted that Bengaluru’s long-standing demand for a permanent American diplomatic presence had been consistently voiced by local representatives, MPs, and citizens alike. He noted that the momentum for this development intensified in 2023, notably in the lead-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.
“The importance of Bengaluru is undeniable, and this consulate opening is a reflection of its growing role in global diplomacy,” Jaishankar remarked. “The city has long deserved a permanent American diplomatic presence, which will now play a critical role in facilitating business, international relations, and citizen services.”
The new consulate is expected to serve as a vital bridge for enhancing travel and diplomatic services. Jaishankar referred to the high number of passport issuances in the region—883,000 last year—highlighting Bengaluru’s importance as a key hub for international connections.
The external affairs minister also pointed to the evolving technological landscape as central to the future of India-US collaboration. With advancements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and drones, Bengaluru’s technological capabilities are set to play a significant role in deepening the partnership. “The space domain, in particular, holds vast potential, and Bengaluru is at the forefront of this emerging frontier,” Jaishankar said.
Defence cooperation was another key focus, with Jaishankar noting the significant progress over the past two decades. From the absence of American weapons in India’s inventory, the two countries now share advanced defence technologies, including C-17s, C-130s, Chinooks, and Apache helicopters, further reinforcing Bengaluru’s strategic importance.
On the educational front, Jaishankar expressed optimism about growing collaboration, particularly with India’s new education policy fostering greater student exchanges and joint campuses. He highlighted the potential for an increased American educational presence in the region, contributing to stronger bilateral ties.
Looking ahead, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of Bengaluru’s role in shaping the future of global supply chains and digital transformation. With trust and transparency at the core of these changes, Bengaluru is poised to play a central role in driving these developments.
This new consulate opening, marking the 12th foreign consulate in Bengaluru, is seen as a symbolic step in transcending historical hesitations and embracing a future of closer, more interconnected relations between India and the United States.
“Today’s event is not just a diplomatic milestone but a sign of the growing influence of Bengaluru in global affairs. I hope this will encourage more countries to establish consulates here, benefiting both India and Karnataka,” Jaishankar concluded.
