Bengaluru’s US Consulate opens at JW Marriott, fulfilling a 25-year wait, boosting visa access for students and professionals
Bengaluru: The American Consulate office was inaugurated in Bengaluru city on Friday and with the opening of the American Consulate, a long pending wish of the State came true after 25 years. The American Consulate office will function temporarily at JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya road in Bengaluru city.
The inaugural function was attended by External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and United States Ambassador Eric Garcetti. As of now, the American Consulate office in Bengaluru city will function with limited staff until a permanent facility is established.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Bengaluru city incharge and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar termed the American Consulate office opening in Bengaluru city a “remarkable” day.
Recalling the efforts to open an American Consulate office in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the process to open an American Consulate office in Bengaluru began when S.M. Krishna was the Chief Minister (1999-2004).
The Deputy Chief Minister said, he and S.M. Krishna met then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajapayee and requested him to initiate steps to open an American Consulate office in Bengaluru. But, then the efforts went futile.
Continuing, he said, when S.M. Krishna was the External Affairs Minister, he tried his best to open an American Consulate in Bengaluru. But, now, owing to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in coordination with the American government, a long dream came true.
Lok Sabha representing Bengaluru South seat Tejasvi Surya “The American Consulate reflects Bengaluru’s growing importance on the global stage and will immensely benefit lakhs of people including students, professionals and families, by easing their U.S. travel and visa requirements.”
