Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge meets US Ambassador Eric Garcetti; seeks US Consulate in Bengaluru
Sep 19, 2024
New Delhi [India], September 19 : Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge met with Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India, on Thursday in the national capital and requested the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru.
They discussed various topics, highlighting Karnataka's status as India's leading technology hub.
Minister Kharge also formally requested the establishment of a US Consulate in Bengaluru, presenting a letter from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that underscored the significance of this initiative.
Priyank Kharge made a compelling case for a US Consulate in Bengaluru, citing the city's thriving business environment and the frequent travel of residents for visa services to Chennai and Hyderabad. With a significant number of students and tech professionals from Bengaluru visiting the US, a local consulate would expedite visa processing and greatly benefit the tech community.
The US Ambassador expressed a positive outlook regarding the establishment of a consulate, indicating that the matter would be reviewed post-US elections. Minister Kharge assured the Ambassador of his full support in this endeavour.
The Minister encouraged the formation of sister city partnerships between the US and cities and cities beyond Bengaluru in Karnataka. This initiative aims to enhance economic, business, and technological investments, fostering significant cultural exchanges in commerce, health, education, and technology.
Minister Kharge highlighted the shared values and interests that establish this relationship, paving the way for accelerated development in the technology corridor.
Kharge outlined Karnataka's ambitious plans to establish a semiconductor hub, identifying four potential clusters within the state.
He noted the successful establishment of the Apple assembly line in Karnataka and expressed a desire to attract more US companies to set up operations in the state, emphasising Karnataka's potential to become the leading electronics manufacturing hub in India.
Minister Kharge's meeting with Ambassador Garcetti marks a significant step towards enhancing US-Karnataka relations and positioning the state as a global technology and manufacturing leader.
Karnataka, home to over 570 Global Capability Centers (GCCs), is a leader in the GCC talent market, attracting companies from across the globe. The state has become a preferred destination for enterprises seeking to enhance digital capabilities, innovate software products, and develop platform engineering.
Karnataka is set to launch India's first comprehensive GCC policy, crafted with input from industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders. This pioneering initiative aims to maintain the state's leadership in the global GCC ecosystem. The policy will create a supportive environment for GCCs and attract investments by aligning with Karnataka's unique ecosystem. The launch is expected to take place soon, marking a significant step for the state.
