‘India-US ties based on technology’: EAM Jaishankar at the opening of US Consulate in Bangalore

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar joined US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, for the opening of the US Consulate in Bangalore. Speaking about the expanse of the India-US ties, Jaishankar said, “Our relationship will be heavily based on technology. It will have a much bigger space component because the space domain is just beginning to open up. Defence is a crucial area.”

The event was also attended by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Jaishankar added, “Defence is an absolutely crucial area. I look at technology, space and defence, and I think there is a case for stronger US presence and leveraging the capabilities of Bengaluru and Karnataka.”

The minister also cited how two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in the Indian inventory, and very little defence collaboration. “Today, we fly the C-17s, the C-130Js; the Chinooks, the Apaches.”

He also highlighted the importance of the education and research sector between the two countries. “I hope to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in this region,” Jaishankar said.

The Minister cited how supply chains are undergoing a transformation. “Trusted supply chains will really become key to strategic partnerships and there I see a great future for India and the US,” Jaishankar added.

He said that an American consulate was not there in Bengaluru was a gap in the relationship. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, in 2023, said that this consulate was needed. “The formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history,” Jaishankar said. He did not say it but the reference stemmed from the cold war era (1945-91).

“We will be opening our consulate in Los Angeles also,” the EAM said.

US Ambassador Garcetti said, “The US mission is the second largest mission anywhere in the world. Presently, visa services are not being offered from Bengaluru, but will happen soon. US-India relations will be indispensable for peace, prosperity and for the planet.”