The new Chancery premises of the Consulate General of India in Seattle were inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, joined by Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson, US Senator Maria Cantwell, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

Welcoming the development as a “landmark” in India–US ties, Governor Ferguson said the consulate will deepen engagement between India and the Pacific Northwest.

Located in downtown Seattle’s historic Federal Reserve Building, the Chancery spans two floors: the first dedicated to consular services and the 11th to administrative and commercial operations. The building, once the Seattle branch of the Federal Bank of San Francisco (1951–2008), has been listed on the US National Register of Historic Places since 2013.

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023, the Seattle consulate became India’s sixth in the US and began temporary operations in November 2023. Since opening consular services in July 2024, it has already served nearly 23,722 applicants across nine US states, including Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana.

During the inauguration, Ambassador Kwatra also met leaders from Seattle’s technology sector, state officials, and Indian American elected representatives.

Earlier this month, Seattle hosted its first “India Day Parade” to mark India’s 79th Independence Day. Featuring an “India Pavilion” with over 30 booths representing Indian states under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the event highlighted India’s cultural richness and economic vision. Dignitaries including Congressman Adam Smith and senior city officials joined the celebrations, which featured colorful cultural performances showcasing India’s unity in diversity.