Karnataka Seeks US Consulate In Bengaluru And Sister City Deals With America

Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge met with US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, in Delhi on on Thursday. The meeting centered on strengthening economic and technological collaboration between the United States and Karnataka, with a formal request for the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru taking centre stage. 

Minister Kharge stressed the importance of this initiative, citing Bengaluru’s thriving business environment and the need for easier visa access for the city’s growing population of tech professionals and students. Currently, residents must travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for US visa services and a local consulate would streamline the process, greatly benefiting the region’s tech industry.

Ambassador Garcetti responded positively to the proposal, acknowledging the city’s relevance in the US-Karnataka relationship. While the final decision on the consulate will be reviewed after the US elections, the Ambassador indicated a willingness to explore the idea further. Minister Kharge assured the Ambassador of Karnataka’s commitment to supporting the initiative and enhancing the bilateral relationship between the state and the United States.

In addition to the consulate discussion, Minister Kharge proposed for the formation of sister city partnerships between US cities and those in Karnataka beyond Bengaluru. This initiative, he suggested, could drive deeper cultural and business exchanges across key sectors such as commerce, education, health, and technology, fostering long-term growth and investment opportunities for both regions.

Minister Kharge also outlined Karnataka’s ambitions to become India’s leading electronics manufacturing hub, inviting more US companies to invest in the state. During the meeting, Kharge highlighted the successful establishment of Apple’s assembly line in Karnataka and pointed to four potential semiconductor clusters within the state that are ready for development.