iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
A new state-of-the-art multi-facility US Consulate General in Hyderabad was inaugurated by the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on May 26, 2023. Built at a cost of $340 million the new facility is equipped to facilitate multiple operations ranging from consular to visa services.
Speaking at the celebration to coincide with the 247th anniversary of American Independence, Garcetti said, “President Joe Biden is fond of saying – don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget and I will tell you how much you value it. By that standard, it should be clear to all of us how deeply the United States values Hyderabad and this region.”
Located on a 12-acre site, the new consulate embodies the U.S. State Department’s mission to provide safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities for American diplomacy. The US$340 million construction project included US$70 million in local investment and employed a combined workforce of over 1,000 American, Indian, and third-country nationals, the embassy shared in March at the opening of the consulate in Hyderabad.
“I’ve heard so much about Hyderabad’s beautiful new consulate. Now I see what everyone was talking about! It was an honor to meet our amazing team and learn more about the many opportunities we have to grow the US-India Strategic Partnership in the region,” he added.
The event was attended by several prominent people including the Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, US Consul General Jennifer Larson, and the representative of the Ministry of External Affairs Dr Ausaf Sayeed. “It was a pleasure to meet the governor of Telangana and welcome her to our new consulate, where we had a great conversation about her vision for Telangana and how we can continue boosting US-India ties in this thriving state,” Garcetti said.
In his address, he said that the exclusive facility was opened in Hyderabad because Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha are scripting the most important chapters of the US-India Strategic Partnership. Garcetti tweeted, “President Biden has said that the root of the U.S.-India partnership is about a deep connection between our people. I see that connection on full display in Hyderabad as we mark America’s Independence Day and inaugurate our new consulate.”
This was Garcetti’s first three-day official visit to Hyderabad after assuming charge as the top US diplomat in India. During his visit, he also met with tech entrepreneurs, went to the Indian School of Business, Education USA advising center, and USAID-supported Mitr Clinic which is operated by transgender people. He also visited iconic cultural sites, including Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace. “Being from California, I’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most talented & creative entrepreneurs in tech. I feel that same kind of dynamism here at T-Hub; no wonder it’s quickly developed a reputation as a premier startup incubator in India’s startup ecosystem,” he tweeted.
“Nothing symbolizes Hyderabad quite like Charminar and it’s easy to see why it stands as Telangana’s most iconic monument. From its 500-year history to its beautiful views of the Old City, it’s a breathtaking testament to this historic city. Oh yes, and the chai was great too!” Garcetti tweeted after visiting the historic Charminar.
