The Indian Consulate in Seattle has opened a new center for visa and passport services for those traveling to India from the greater Seattle area.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and State Representative Vandana Slatter attended the opening event on Friday. Mayor Harrell handed out the first Indian passport and visa, highlighting the importance of the new center for the community.
Mayor Harrell praised the Indian community in Seattle for their contributions to strengthening ties between India and the USA.
Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, said: “The opening of the new consulate in Seattle demonstrates the Indian government’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Pacific Northwest states
A new drop-off facility in Bellevue also makes it easier for Eastside residents to access these services.
Both the Seattle and Bellevue Indian Visa Application Centers (IVAC) are run by VFS Global, which handles visa services for the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prakash Gupta added: “These new centers in Seattle and Bellevue are designed to make it easier for everyone applying for travel to India.”
These services will benefit the large Indian community in the consular jurisdiction, which includes nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.