Tech, Space, Defence To See Thrust Between India & US, Says EAM While Inaugurating Consulate In Bengaluru

While inaugurating US consulate in Bengaluru, EAM S Jaishankar emphasized the role of technology, defense, and education in driving their relationship.

EAM S Jaishankar speaking at the opening ceremony of the US Consulate in Bengaluru on Friday.

Source : Twitter - DrSJaishankar

In a landmark development which will bolster the ties between India and United States, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said that the opening of US consulate in Bengaluru will expanse the India-US ties. Speaking at event, the minister remarked that in the era of AI, EVs, space and drones, the relationship between the two countries will be heavily based on technology, even more so than before.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), S Jaishankar posted:

Pleased to join the opening ceremony of the US Consulate in Bengaluru. Congratulate @USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti and his team.

The 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 partnership is driven by strong people to people ties. This is expressed in domains like technology, innovation, space, defence and education.… pic.twitter.com/4oa7eeBpRj

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 17, 2025

As quoted by news agency ANI, the EAM said, "This development will have a much bigger space component because the space domain is just beginning to open up." Adding that defence is a crucial area, he said that two decades ago there were virtually no American weapons in our inventory, and today we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, the Apaches.

Highlighting the importance of education and research sector between India and US, S. Jaishankar said that he hopes to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in the region.

Speaking at the inauguartion ceremony, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, said that Bengaluru 'breathes' the India-US relationship. Hailing the recent development as a new beginning for the two countries, he added that whether it is health, aerospace, women empowerment, jobs, finance, they see the future in the IT city.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti says, "It's a great day. It's a great day for Karnataka. It's a great day for the United States and India. This is a town that lives and breathes the US-India relationship...It is a new beginning...We are… pic.twitter.com/W7S4kvNPgt

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025

The United States inaugurated its consulate in Bengaluru at the JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road.  This will function with limited staff, while a permanent facility is under development.