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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday emphasized the significance of the upcoming US consulate in Bengaluru, calling it a major milestone in strengthening India-US relations. Speaking at the site dedication ceremony for what will be India’s fifth US consulate, Jaishankar urged American authorities to expedite the commencement of visa services in Bengaluru.
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Highlighting Bengaluru's role as a key travel and business hub, Jaishankar underscored the growing need for local visa processing. He pointed to the city’s Regional Passport Office, which issued 8,83,000 passports in a single year, reflecting the high demand for international travel and visa services in the region.
The minister also noted Bengaluru’s connectivity with the US, citing three weekly flights to San Francisco. He expressed optimism that this number would increase as new aircraft deliveries enhance capacity.
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, present at the event, confirmed that while the consulate will begin operations soon, visa services will not be available initially. This has raised concerns, as the absence of local visa services may delay convenience for Bengaluru’s international travelers.
The establishment of a US consulate in Bengaluru is expected to deepen bilateral ties and cater to the city's large population of professionals, students, and entrepreneurs with interests in the US.
