In a significant move to strengthen ties with its overseas community, India has launched eight new Indian Consular Application Centers across the United States. The announcement came from India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, in a video message posted by the Embassy of India in Washington on social media platform X.
The newly opened centers are located in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Addison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose. An additional center is also planned for Los Angeles in the near future.
Ambassador Kwatra emphasized that this expansion, effective from August 1, will greatly improve the accessibility and efficiency of consular services for the Indian community residing in the US. “This significant step will boost our ability to offer faster and more convenient services to our vibrant Indian diaspora,” he said.
In a major improvement, all Indian consular centers will now also operate on Saturdays, allowing more flexible access for individuals with weekday constraints. Alongside faster processing, the centers will also streamline various miscellaneous consular services, although a few specialized services will continue to be handled at the embassy itself.
Highlighting the importance of community connections, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed that “people-to-people ties are central to the India-US partnership.” He also referred to the previously announced opening of two full Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles—initiatives aimed at further deepening India’s diplomatic footprint in key American cities.
The Ambassador encouraged members of the Indian community to regularly check the Indian Embassy’s official website for updates and detailed information on services and locations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian diaspora in the US totals around 5.4 million, including over 2 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). They represent the third-largest Asian ethnic group in the country and have long played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations.
Earlier this year, the US also reinforced its diplomatic presence in India by inaugurating a new consulate in Bengaluru, its fifth in the country—signifying mutual interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
