India is on the brink of expanding its diplomatic presence within the United States with the forthcoming inauguration of a new consulate in Seattle later this month. The official announcement regarding this expansion is expected to coincide with the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and the United States, during which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin are scheduled to participate.
The upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will encompass a wide range of crucial topics, including discussions on visa procedures, the establishment of additional consulates, collaborative efforts in education, trade agreements, technological advancements, and diplomatic negotiations regarding ongoing global conflicts. These multifaceted discussions are set to begin on November 9, as reported by a credible source.
Upon the opening of the new Seattle consulate, Joint Secretary Prakash Gupta is anticipated to be appointed as the inaugural Consul General. Currently serving as a Joint Secretary in the United Nations Political division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Prakash Gupta will play a pivotal role in this diplomatic endeavour.
India currently maintains six consulates across the United States, with its embassy situated in Washington DC under the leadership of Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu. These consulates are strategically located in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
Simultaneously, the United States has established an embassy in Delhi and four consulates in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
India and the United States share a strategic partnership and are active participants in various international alliances, including QUAD, I2U2, and the G20.
Furthermore, next year is expected to witness US President Joe Biden serving as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, further reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The establishment of consulates is dependent on the bilateral relations between the countries and the strength of the Indian diaspora, and these decisions are made accordingly, as stated by an informed source. This expansion represents a significant step in furthering the diplomatic connections between India and the United States.