Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. This expansion is designed to enhance consular services for the Indian American community and to strengthen trade, education, and cultural connections.

The launch of these consulates marks a significant step in India's diplomatic presence in the United States, addressing long-standing demands from the Indian American community in these influential cities. Boston is recognized as a leading hub for education and pharmaceuticals, while Los Angeles, known for its vibrant entertainment industry, is preparing to host the next Summer Olympics.

With these new consulates, India aims to provide improved consular services to its diaspora, which includes assistance with visas, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, and other local matters. The move also seeks to boost economic and cultural ties between India and the U.S. U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has welcomed this initiative, adding a familiar face to the enhancement of diplomatic relations.

Overview of Indian Missions Abroad
India maintains a comprehensive network of diplomatic missions around the world to manage its foreign relations and offer services to Indian citizens living abroad. These missions include embassies, high commissions, consulates, and permanent missions, each serving different functions based on the nature of India's diplomatic relationships.

Indian Embassies

Embassies are located in capital cities and represent India's interests in countries with which it has full diplomatic relations. Major Indian embassies are situated in Washington D.C., Beijing, London, Moscow, and Tokyo, among others.

Indian High Commissions
In Commonwealth countries, India's embassies are referred to as high commissions. These include missions in significant locations like London (UK), Canberra (Australia), Ottawa (Canada), and Wellington (New Zealand).

Consulates General
Consulates General are established in major cities, separate from capital cities, to handle specific regions within a country. The opening of new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles will expand India's existing network in the U.S., which already includes consulates in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta.

Permanent Missions
India also maintains permanent missions to international organizations, such as the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and the World Trade Organization, to represent its interests in multilateral diplomacy.

Consular Offices
In addition to full consulates, India has smaller consular offices in certain regions to assist with specific local matters, such as visa applications and services for the Indian community.

Key Indian Consulates General by Region
North America

United States:

Consulate General of India in New York
Consulate General of India in San Francisco
Consulate General of India in Chicago
Consulate General of India in Houston
Consulate General of India in Atlanta
New Consulates: Boston and Los Angeles (upcoming)

Canada:

Consulate General of India in Toronto
Consulate General of India in Vancouver
Europe

United Kingdom:

Consulate General of India in Birmingham
Consulate General of India in Edinburgh
Germany:
Consulate General of India in Munich
Consulate General of India in Hamburg

France:

Consulate General of India in Paris

Russia:

Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg
Consulate General of India in Vladivostok

Italy:

Consulate General of India in Milan

Asia

China:

Consulate General of India in Shanghai
Consulate General of India in Guangzhou
Consulate General of India in Hong Kong

Japan:

Consulate General of India in Osaka-Kobe

Singapore:

Consulate General of India in Singapore

United Arab Emirates:

Consulate General of India in Dubai

Saudi Arabia:

Consulate General of India in Jeddah
Oceania

Australia:

Consulate General of India in Sydney
Consulate General of India in Melbourne

New Zealand:

Consulate General of India in Auckland
Africa

South Africa:

Consulate General of India in Johannesburg
Consulate General of India in Durban
Kenya:

Consulate General of India in Mombasa
This extensive network of missions provides vital diplomatic, economic, cultural, and consular services to Indian citizens and expatriates living abroad. With over 190 missions globally, India is committed to strengthening its international relations and enhancing outreach to the Indian community worldwide.