PM Modi Announces 2 New Indian Consulates In Boston And Los Angeles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Indian Americans at the Nassau Veterans Coliseum announced the establishment of two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. 

PM Modi highlighted that the decision addresses long-standing demands from the Indian community in these major American cities. "Friends, last year, I announced that our government had plans to open a new consulate in Seattle. It is now operational. After reviewing your suggestions, I am pleased to announce that India will open new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles," he stated.

Boston, known as the education and pharmaceutical capital of the U.S., and Los Angeles, home to Hollywood and the upcoming Summer Olympics , are vital hubs for the Indian diaspora. The current U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, is the former mayor of Los Angeles, further emphasizing the city's importance in India-U.S. relations.

The announcement received immediate acclaim from the local community. Gunjan Bagla, CEO of Amritt Inc., a consulting firm based in Los Angeles, expressed gratitude for the decision. "The Modi government listens and responds to the needs of Indian Americans and American business and political leaders. I am thankful to Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar , and former Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu," he said.

Bagla, who spearheaded the initiative, noted that his team had gathered over 3,600 signatures from Southern California residents and received support from numerous American and Indian American organizations. 

Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, plays a crucial role in international trade, with its twin ports handling about 40% of all overseas goods entering the country. With the growing significance of the Indo-Pacific region, establishing a consulate in this area is seen as essential for enhancing India’s presence.

“All but one of the G20 countries have consulates in Los Angeles. A local consul general will help American business executives engaged with India feel more connected. While we've had frequent visits from the Consul General of San Francisco, many local events highlight India’s absence,” Bagla added. The new consulates will also facilitate emergency travel for NRIs and Indian Americans, reducing the need to travel to San Francisco.