New Delhi, January 15: Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya expressed his gratitude to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar with a traditional Mysore Pak sweet for the Central Government’s efforts in facilitating the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru. The long-awaited diplomatic mission is set to be inaugurated on January 17 by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, alongside other dignitaries.
Surya has been a vocal advocate for a US Consulate in Bengaluru since his election in 2019. The announcement for its establishment came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in June 2023, where it was revealed that the US would open two new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while India would establish a mission in Seattle.
Currently, the consulate is expected to operate with a limited staff from the JW Marriott hotel on Vittal Mallya Road before moving to a permanent location.
In a video shared late Wednesday, Surya thanked Dr. Jaishankar and credited the Modi Government for making the long-pending request a reality. “It’s been made possible only because of PM @narendramodi and EAM @DrSJaishankar’s efforts. What better way to thank our EAM than with our own Mysuru Pak!” the tweet read.
Surya emphasized the consulate’s significance, stating, “Bengaluru having a US Consulate will benefit lakhs of students, IT professionals, and business leaders. It will boost commerce, trade, and ease travel for entrepreneurs. I thank the Modi Government for always promoting Bengaluru’s interests.”
Persistent Advocacy for Bengaluru
Surya has consistently championed the cause, submitting a formal request to Dr. Jaishankar in November 2019 and reiterating it multiple times. In a letter dated November 18, 2019, he highlighted the city’s global significance, noting that Bengaluru is home to over 750 multinational companies, including 370 US-headquartered firms. He argued that a consulate would alleviate pressure on the existing missions in Chennai and Hyderabad, serving over half a million people from Karnataka.
In March 2023, Surya secured an assurance from Dr. Jaishankar, who promised to press the issue with then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Surya also raised the demand with former US Ambassador to India, Dr. Kenneth Juster, in 2020.
The US Consulate in Bengaluru is expected to strengthen Indo-US ties, providing enhanced support for the city’s robust student and business community.
