External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti officially inaugurated the new US Consulate in Bengaluru on Friday, 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.
“Today, it is within our grasp that we realize the full potential of India-US relations. It’s important that Bengaluru too realizes its potential in this relationship,” Jaishankar said. “We are encouraging the opening of more embassies and consulates. This will benefit India, Karnataka, and Bengaluru.”
The External Affairs Minister further spoke about the expanding scope of India-US cooperation, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), space exploration, and defense. Reflecting on the rapid development of defense ties between the two nations, Jaishankar remarked, “Two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in our inventory. Today, we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, and the Apaches.”
Jaishankar also emphasized the growing role of technology in the India-US relationship, noting that future collaborations would increasingly focus on cutting-edge sectors like AI and space. He also stressed the importance of education and research exchanges between the two countries, expressing hope for the establishment of collaborative campuses and stronger American academic presence in India.
“The opening of this consulate is a sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history,” he added.
(With ANI inputs)
