In a major development for the Indian-American community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on September 22 that India will open new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. The announcement came during his address to Indian Americans at the Nassau Veterans Coliseum in New York, according to PTI.
This decision responds to the long-standing demand from the rapidly growing Indian-American population in these cities, which has been advocating for additional consular services including visas and passports to better serve their needs.
Expansion of Indian Consulates in the U.S.

Last year, Prime Minister Modi had announced plans for a consulate in Seattle, which is now operational. Building on this progress, Modi invited suggestions from the community for further expansion.
After reviewing these inputs, the government has decided to establish consulates in two key U.S. cities—Boston and Los Angeles.
Why Boston and Los Angeles?
Boston and Los Angeles were selected for their unique significance to both India and the U.S.
Boston: Known as the “education and pharma capital” of the U.S., Boston has a thriving Indian-American student and professional community.
Los Angeles: Home to Hollywood and the future host of the Summer Olympics, Los Angeles plays a crucial role in global culture and commerce. Additionally, Eric Garcetti, the current U.S. Ambassador to India, was previously the mayor of Los Angeles, strengthening ties between the two regions.
Existing Indian Consular Network
India currently operates six consulates across the U.S., located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. Along with these, the Indian Embassy is in Washington D.C., and India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations is based in New York.
Warm Reception from Indian-Americans
The announcement has been warmly welcomed, especially by Indian-American communities in Los Angeles. Gunjan Bagla, CEO of Amritt Inc., a consulting firm based in Los Angeles, praised the decision.
“The Modi government listens and responds to the needs of Indian Americans and American business leaders,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their support.
Bagla played a pivotal role in this effort, gathering over 3,600 signatures from Southern California residents and rallying support from numerous organizations. He emphasized the strategic importance of Los Angeles, particularly as the second-largest city in the U.S. and a major hub for global trade.
A Strategic Move for the Indo-Pacific Region
With the growing significance of the Indo-Pacific region, having a consular presence in Los Angeles is crucial. The city’s twin ports, Los Angeles and Long Beach, handle nearly 40% of U.S. overseas trade, making it an essential location for Indian diplomatic and business interests.
Bagla added that almost all G20 nations have consulates in Los Angeles, and having an Indian consulate will help foster deeper connections between American businesses and India.
The new consulate will also provide much-needed assistance to NRIs and Indian Americans, especially in emergencies where consular services were previously only available in San Francisco.
Conclusion
India’s decision to expand its consular presence in Boston and Los Angeles highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian-American community and supporting global trade and diplomatic efforts in key U.S. cities.
The new consulates will bring significant benefits, both for local Indian Americans and for India’s strategic interests in the U.S. and beyond.
(Source and Inputs from PTI)
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