Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that it was necessary to have a permanent U.S. consulate in Bengaluru. He noted that as India and the U.S. consider sectors like AI, electric vehicles, and drones, their relationship is now more technically driven than ever before. Jaishankar was speaking at the inauguration of the U.S. Consulate in Bengaluru, a significant development in bilateral relations between the two countries.

At the event, Jaishankar, along with U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, officially launched the consulate. Jaishankar mentioned that Bengaluru is a key city, and it was crucial for U.S. diplomats to have a permanent presence there. He added that he had often been asked when the consulate would open, and his response was always that he was doing his best to make it happen. He further stated that it had been a long-awaited process.

Jaishankar also emphasized that he had a condition for Bengaluru: the U.S. should open its consulate there, and in return, India would establish a consulate in Los Angeles, Garcetti's hometown. He revealed that the Indian Consulate would soon be inaugurated in Los Angeles. He explained that consulates play a significant role in facilitating travel among other functions.

Reflecting on the growing technical collaboration, Jaishankar highlighted areas such as AI, electric vehicles, space, and drones, which would strengthen the technological basis of India-U.S. relations. He pointed out that space cooperation, in particular, would see increased development. Additionally, defense collaboration has deepened significantly, noting that two decades ago, India did not have access to American weapons, but now operates advanced aircraft like the C-17 and C-130.

Jaishankar also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in education and research, especially with the new education policy in India. He anticipated joint campus initiatives, student exchanges, and a greater influence of the U.S. education sector in India. The consulate's opening marks an important step in overcoming historical hesitations and moving toward a more robust partnership between India and the U.S.