This move strengthens the diplomatic infrastructure that supports the large Indian diaspora and U.S.-India relations, fostering greater cultural, educational, and business exchanges across both nations
In a significant move to deepen ties with the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. The announcement, made on September 22 during a gathering of Indian Americans at the Nassau Veterans Coliseum in New York, fulfills a long-standing request from the rapidly expanding Indian American community.
Modi highlighted the importance of these new consulates, stating, “Last year, I announced plans for a consulate in Seattle, which is now operational. Based on your suggestions, I am pleased to announce that India will establish new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.” These locations were chosen after extensive input from the community.
Currently, India has consulates in six U.S. cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition, India maintains an embassy in Washington, D.C., and its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York
Boston, known as the educational and pharmaceutical hub of the U.S., and Los Angeles, the heart of Hollywood and future host of the Summer Olympics, are strategic locations for the new consulates. The decision also resonates with the local leadership, as Eric Garcetti, the current U.S. Ambassador to India, is a former mayor of Los Angeles.
The Indian American community in Southern California welcomed the news enthusiastically. Gunjan Bagla, CEO of Amritt Inc., played a key role in advocating for the consulate in Los Angeles. “The Modi government listens and responds to the needs of Indian Americans and U.S. business and political leaders. We collected over 3,600 signatures from Southern California residents, and numerous organizations submitted letters to the Prime Minister’s Office,” Bagla shared.
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