In his address, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of Bengaluru as a key location for the new consulate, noting its central role in India’s growing technological and innovation sectors. “Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time. It has been something long in waiting,” he said. He added that the consulate would serve to strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in areas like technology, defence, and education.

Jaishankar also announced that India would soon be opening its own consulate in Los Angeles, the hometown of US Ambassador Garcetti. “I told him (Ambassador Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done, and I’ll get you Los Angeles done,” Jaishankar said, signaling the growing reciprocity between the two nations.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted the broader significance of the consulate’s opening, noting that it reflected India’s growing global engagement. “It is important that Bengaluru too realizes its potential in the relationship,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring how the city’s strategic role in India’s economic and technological sectors will play a crucial part in fostering stronger India-US ties. He also expressed hope that more countries would establish consulates in Bengaluru, further enhancing India’s connectivity with the world.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar outlined the future trajectory of the India-US partnership, particularly in the fields of technology, space, and defence. “Today, when we look at all the possibilities before us in an era of AI, EVs, space and drones, our relationships will be heavily based on technology, even more so than before,” he remarked. Jaishankar also pointed to the growing defence cooperation between the two countries, noting that, just two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in India’s military inventory. “Today we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, the Apaches,” he added, underscoring the deepening defence ties between the two nations.

Education and research collaboration also featured prominently in Jaishankar’s speech. He expressed hope for expanded academic partnerships, including collaborative campuses and increased student exchanges, which would further solidify the growing educational ties between India and the United States. “I hope to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in this region,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Jaishankar reflected on the historical significance of the consulate’s opening, stating that it symbolized the overcoming of past hesitations in the relationship between the two countries. “The formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history,” he said.

The opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru marks a new chapter in India-US relations, reinforcing the deepening diplomatic, technological, and strategic ties between the two democracies. With further plans for enhanced cooperation in education, defence, space exploration, and technology, this new diplomatic presence signals a bright future for the India-US partnership.

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Jaishankar explained India’s decision to abstain from certain United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions on the Gaza conflict, citing concerns over the lack of balance and failure to address key issues like terrorism.

India’s Support for Two-State Solution

Responding to a question from TMC MP Saket Gokhale, Jaishankar stated, “We support the two-state solution and have been public and unambiguous about it. There should be no cause for confusion regarding this position.”

Jaishankar reiterated that India’s stance on the matter remains firm and consistent, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

India’s Non-Membership in ICC

In response to queries about the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders, Jaishankar clarified India’s position. He stated that India is not a member of the ICC and is therefore not bound by its decisions. He added, “India decided against ICC membership after thorough deliberation. As such, we have not taken a formal position on its rulings.”

Humanitarian Assistance to Palestine

Jaishankar detailed India’s continued support for Palestine through humanitarian aid. He highlighted India’s annual contribution of USD 5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was increased from USD 1 million under the current government.

In 2023, India provided 70 metric tons of aid, including 16.5 metric tons of medicines. In 2024, India has delivered 65 metric tons of medical aid to the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, with an additional 33 metric tons sent to Lebanon.

India’s Abstentions at UNGA

Addressing India’s abstention from certain UNGA resolutions on Gaza, Jaishankar explained the rationale. He said the resolutions lacked balance, failed to mention critical issues like terrorism and hostage-taking, and were not well-considered.

He remarked, “Resolutions that do not reflect the entirety of the situation cannot be supported. As a country that has been a victim of terrorism, India cannot ignore or downplay its implications.”

India’s Balanced Approach

Jaishankar emphasized that India takes a nuanced view of international resolutions, prioritizing their wording and implications. He condemned terrorism and hostage-taking, urged adherence to humanitarian law, and called for a ceasefire and an end to violence.

Historical Context

The Gaza conflict reignited following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting Israel’s counter-offensive. India condemned the Hamas attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being among the first world leaders to denounce it. India has since reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, advocating peace and coexistence in the region.

This reaffirmation of India’s position underscores its balanced approach to international diplomacy, focusing on humanitarian concerns while addressing the broader challenges of terrorism and violence.

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