Strengthening Ties: India and the US Enhance Collaboration Through Seattle

Seattle, Dec 7 (NationPress) More than a year since its establishment, the Indian Consulate in Seattle is actively enhancing New Delhi's ties with the Pacific Northwest states of the United States through the launch of new visa application centers and increased Indo-US collaboration in the fields of technology, higher education, defense, and agriculture.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June 2023, it was agreed that India would take measures to operationalize its Consulate in Seattle before the close of 2023. Following this, in November 2023, the inaugural Consulate General of India was established in Seattle.

Situated within one of the globe's leading technology hubs, home to major corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, its opening signifies a new chapter in the India-US diplomatic relationship, which has significantly evolved over the past decade under PM Modi's leadership.

The consular jurisdiction encompasses nine Pacific Northwest states: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

Consul General Prakash Gupta, an officer from the Indian Foreign Service, informed IANS that the consulate is focused on fortifying India-US collaboration in technology and data.

"Given that technology is our focal point, India must establish a presence in the tech center," he asserts.

Gupta emphasized that as technology advances, India's youthful population will play a crucial role, particularly in the domain of artificial intelligence.

He also pointed out that the defense sector is a key area where US corporations can expand their collaboration with India and engage in various 'make in India, make for the world' initiatives.

Having served in multiple countries, including China, US, and Indonesia, Gupta stated that the consulate has been proactively addressing the concerns of the Indian community in the region.

Although there have been a series of attacks on Hindu temples across the US, the diplomat quickly noted that no such incidents have occurred in Seattle.

"No such incidents have been reported in Seattle. We maintain a strong relationship with places of worship, and we address any issues that arise in our jurisdiction," he stated to IANS.

The Indian community in Washington State, especially in King County, which includes cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, played a vital role in the recently concluded US Presidential elections.

Other counties with significant Indian-American populations include Snohomish, Pierce, and Whatcom.

"Washington State exports a substantial amount of apples to India, and there is also considerable potential for blueberries and cherries," Gupta shared, expressing hope that the residents of Seattle will soon enjoy a consistent supply of Indian mangoes, Indian coffee, and renowned Indian high-end whisky brands.

"Indians now rank as the second-largest group of outbound tourists globally. While New York and San Francisco often receive the spotlight, this part of the US is picturesque and largely unspoiled. To enhance Seattle's charm, we can feature the region in Bollywood films," Gupta added.

Seattle's rising prominence is also reflected in the economic connections between Greater Seattle and India. From 2018 to 2023, Greater Seattle's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India accounted for 84 projects totaling $14.3 billion in capital expenditure, generating over 86,000 jobs. In contrast, Indian FDI in Greater Seattle during this timeframe amounted to $153.2 million, supporting 678 jobs. The consulate's opening is anticipated to further strengthen these economic ties.

The first Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) was also inaugurated earlier this year to provide consular services such as visas, passports, OCI, and other related consular needs for residents of Greater Seattle.