U.S. Consul General Chennai Christopher W. Hodges Makes First Official Visit to Bengaluru

U.S. Consul General Chennai Christopher W. Hodges on his first visit to Bengaluru on Thursday met with government officials, scientists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to underscore the United States and India's strong economic and commercial ties.

Christopher W. Hodges also participated in the 30th anniversary celebrations of the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Bengaluru.

Hodges highlighted the U.S. Commercial Service Office's instrumental role in establishing robust commercial ties and facilitating collaborations. He characterized the Commercial Service as a catalyst for increased trade and investment between the United States and India.

Hodges said, "The economic partnership between the United States and India is flourishing, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries, and spurring technological innovation."

"Bengaluru is one of the United States' most important trading partners in India. The city hosts over 650 U.S. companies and is a large part of this success story, contributing to the U.S.-India bilateral trade relationship," he added.

Reaffirming the U.S. Consulate General Chennai's commitment to working with business communities in Karnataka and across South India to further the U.S.-India trade partnership, Consul General Hodges said, "U.S.-India commercial cooperation in the space, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and aerospace sectors is stronger than ever. As we celebrate 30 years of the U.S. Commercial Service in Bengaluru, I can't wait to see the partnerships and prosperity that the next 30 years will bring."

U.S. Embassy New Delhi Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Jonathan Heimer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai Principal Commercial Officer Carey Arun, and Chennai Political/Economic Chief Virsa Perkins also attended the event in Bengaluru. Other guests included an array of distinguished guests, including local and international business leaders, government dignitaries, influential decision-makers, and representatives from various industries.