Thursday, June 9 2005 09:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: A US Congress member has announced that the State Department Authorization Bill will include language related to opening a new consulate in south India - in Bangalore or Hyderabad.

Joseph Crowley, who is also the Chief Deputy Whip, said yesterday (Jun 8, 2005), "With Bangalore and Hyderabad becoming booming high technology centers the need for the United States to have a close centre to this area is imperative."

The language secured in the Bill states the following - "and an additional location in an underserved region of India". In the report, which accompanies the legislation, Congressman Crowley directed the US State Department to choose between Hyderabad and Bangalore as the best location for this new consulate.

Crowley said, "I call on the committee and my colleagues in the United States Congress to make the addition of a consular post in Southern India a priority."

He said that at present people in south India have to go to the US Consulate in Chennai in order to get a visa or do any other business with the US government.

"The addition of an additional consulate in either Bangalore or Hyderabad will help both Indians and Americans doing business in Southern India," commented Crowley.

Crowley represents one of the most diverse districts in the country, including one of the largest populations of Indian Americans in the United States.

He has also been the co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans.