Amid rising demand for US visas in India, the United States is expanding its consulate services in the country. As part of its plan, the US will soon establish a consulate in Bengaluru in January. Another US consulate will be set up in Ahmedabad later this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of the US Consulate in Bengaluru during his visit to America in 2023. However, the plan was never finalised. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti confirmed last month that the US Consulate will open in January 2025.
Welcoming the decision related to the US consulate in Bengaluru, Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, said in a social media post that Bengaluru plays an important role in Indo-US ties. He also recalled how he has been advocating for the development for the past few years.
It is expected that the new US consulate will open in the second half of the month. A new consulate in India's metro city will simplify the visa application process for thousands of students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. It will also boost bilateral trade between India and America in the tech and innovation sectors.
For Bengaluru residents, the new consulate will spare them from travelling to Hyderabad or Chennai for visa-related services. Bengaluru contributes around 40% of the country's software industry and the new consulate will facilitate the ease of visa-related services for techies travelling to America.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
