NEWS

• Bengaluru to host the fifth US consulate in India.
• Site-dedication ceremony scheduled for January 17, 2025.
• Focus on political and economic ties between Karnataka and the US.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Objectives of the New Consulate

• Strengthening US-Karnataka Relations
  • Boost economic and political ties between the US and Karnataka.
  • Leverage the robust ecosystem of investment and trade.
• Promoting Economic Opportunities
  • Promote export opportunities from Karnataka to the US.
  • Counsel US companies exploring South Indian markets.
  • Offer matchmaking services, market research, and promotional events for US firms.

Why Bengaluru Needs a US Consulate

• Economic Importance of Karnataka
  • Karnataka: India’s IT hub, contributing $51 billion annually to exports.
  • Bengaluru hosts 750 multinational companies, with 370 headquartered in the US.
• Convenience for Residents
  • Nearest US consulate for South Karnataka residents is 300 km away in Chennai.
  • Chennai processes at least 450 visa applications daily from South Karnataka.
  • A Bengaluru consulate could ease the burden on Chennai and Hyderabad consulates.
• Facilitating US-India Business
  • Support for US-based companies in Karnataka.
  • Easier travel for businesspersons and tourists between Karnataka and the US.

Visa Services Timeline

• Visa Processing Not Immediate
  • Initial operations from the US Commercial Service office at JW Marriott Hotel, Vittal Mallya Road.

Primary focus on economic and political initiatives, not visa services