Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra officially inaugurated the new chancery premises of the Consulate General of India in Seattle on August 26, 2025.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening India’s diplomatic presence in the Pacific Northwest and was attended by several dignitaries, including Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

Welcoming the new consulate, Governor Ferguson described the opening as a landmark development that will further deepen bilateral ties between India and the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region.

According to an official statement, the new chancery is located in downtown Seattle at the historic Federal Reserve Building (1015, 2nd Avenue). Spread across two floors, the facility houses the Consular Section on the first floor, which is open to the public for consular services, while the 11th floor accommodates the Administrative and Commercial wings.

The building, which once served as the Seattle branch of the Federal Bank of San Francisco from 1951 to 2008, has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 2013.

The establishment of the Seattle consulate was first announced by India’s Prime Minister in June 2023. Within five months, operations began at a temporary office in November 2023, and full consular services commenced in July 2024.

Since then, the mission has served nearly 23,722 applicants across its jurisdiction, which covers Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

Following the inauguration, Ambassador Kwatra met with members of the Indian American community, as well as senior leaders from Seattle’s technology sector. He also held discussions with Washington State officials and Indian-origin elected representatives, underscoring the growing partnerships between India and the region.

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