New Delhi: In a move that underscores the strengthening of Indo-US diplomatic ties, India is preparing to inaugurate a new consulate in Seattle, USA, fulfilling an announcement made seven years ago. As disclosed by sources familiar with the matter, this development follows a joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Washington in June. The statement confirmed India’s intention to operationalize its consulate in Seattle later this year.
Consulate in the Technology Hub
This significant consulate, situated in a major technology hub, will be led by Prakash Gupta, a 2002 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who currently serves as a joint secretary at the UNP (United Nations Political) Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The consulate is anticipated to become fully operational by the end of this month.
Announcement from 2016
The decision to establish a consulate in Seattle was originally announced in 2016, and it demonstrates the commitment of both India and the United States to enhance their bilateral relationship. The joint statement from June also revealed the United States’ plans to initiate the process of opening two new consulates in India, specifically in the cities of Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. This reciprocal move signifies the growing strategic partnership and the rising demand for travel between the two nations.
