Indian Diplomatic Relations to be Strengthened with New Consulate in Seattle
India is set to expand its diplomatic presence in the United States with the opening of a new consulate in Seattle this month. The announcement of this expansion is expected to be made during the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and the United States. Both US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, are scheduled to participate in the dialogue.
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. 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 actively participate in various international alliances, including QUAD, I2U2, and the G20.
It is expected that next year, US President Joe Biden will serve as the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations, which will further strengthen the already strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. The establishment of consulates depends on the bilateral relations between countries and the strength of the Indian diaspora. These decisions are made accordingly, as stated by an informed source. The increase in the number of consulates represents a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic connections between India and the United States.
