Bengaluru Becomes Second City in India to Host a US Consulate After Hyderabad, Post-2000

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the External Affairs Minister, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, US Ambassador, and other dignitaries.

Hyderabad: Bengaluru Hosts US Consulate After Hyderabad, Marking a Milestone

Bengaluru has become the second city in India, after Hyderabad, to host a US consulate post-2000. The long-awaited establishment of the consulate in the city was realized today, fulfilling a longstanding demand. The inauguration ceremony was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, and other dignitaries.

EAM Jaishankar’s Remarks
Speaking at the event, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the inauguration. “The opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru is a key milestone, fulfilling the long-standing demand of the people of Bengaluru and Karnataka. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, our government has worked to address this need. This consulate will serve as a vital platform for the people of Karnataka to connect with global aspirations. Being part of this event has brought me immense happiness,” Jaishankar said.

Later, Jaishankar took to X, saying: “Pleased to join the opening ceremony of the US Consulate in Bengaluru. Congratulations to @USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti and his team. Our partnership is strengthened by strong people-to-people ties, seen in technology, innovation, space, defense, and education. The new US Consulate in Bengaluru will strengthen these collaborations, fostering exchanges of ideas and facilitating talent mobility.”

Deputy CM Shivakumar’s Address
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed gratitude on this historic occasion, saying, “I thank the American Consulate and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for making this happen. Minister Jaishankar’s father once served as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, and MPs have worked relentlessly toward this goal. Our IT and BT Industries Minister has also played a crucial role in this achievement.”

Shivakumar highlighted the significance of the day, adding, “Bengaluru symbolizes India on the global stage. The Congress government under S.M. Krishna’s leadership initiated efforts to bring the US Consulate here, and those efforts continued when Krishna became External Affairs Minister. Today is a proud day for Karnataka. Bengaluru’s recognition globally is a testament to the state’s growth.”

He further emphasized the importance of the consulate, stating, “This is not just about passports and visas. Karnataka is a global hub for knowledge, technology, and health tourism. With thriving IT, BT, and startup ecosystems, Bengaluru alone accounts for 40% of the country's export revenue. US universities may soon set up institutions here, reducing the need for our students to go abroad. I have set aside all my commitments to attend this ceremony, representing the government.”

US Consulate in Hyderabad
The US Consulate in Hyderabad, inaugurated on October 24, 2008, was the first new US diplomatic office in India since independence. Prior to that, the US had consulates in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with the first US consulate in Kolkata dating back to 1792, and in Chennai in 1794. The US Embassy in New Delhi was established on August 1, 1947, marking a historic connection with India’s independence.