Deputy Chief Minister Dk Shivakumar on Friday announced that France will start issuing visas in Bengaluru by 2026 and has recently opened a consulate in the city.
The announcement came after Shivakumar met the newly appointed French Consul General Marc Lamy in Bengaluru.
“France will start issuing visas in Bengaluru by 2026, similar to how the US has opened a consulate here.French authorities are preparing and will seek the full cooperation of the state government to do so. ,” Shivakumar said while talking to reporters, Deccan Herald reported.
Highlighting Karnataka’s progressive governance, Shivakumar reassured the French officials and said, “There is no need to worry. The state government is committed to providing necessary support to their initiatives. ”
Shivakumar also mentioned the positive outlook of French officials for Karnataka, noting that the state’s investment-friendly environment has garnered appreciation. He said French investors were happy with their operations in Karnataka and officials conveyed their happiness about the state’s growth and opportunities, the report added.
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US Consulate in Bengaluru
This development comes on the heels of the US inaugurating its consulate in Bengaluru on January 17. The U.S. Consulate does not currently offer visa services, but plans to begin within a year.
The US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, attended the inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Garcetti said that there is not a new presence of the US in India, but they are rather expanding their presence.
“We are not starting a new presence here. In Karnataka, we are expanding our existing presence here. This is the commitment that America gives to this great nation and city in this amazing country. And , I thank all of our honorable dignitaries,” he said.
Garcetti said it was Jaishankar’s idea to build a consulate in Bengaluru and the promise was kept.
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