US envoy Eric Garcetti visits Bengaluru, meets ISRO Chairman Somanath and other business leaders to discuss space collaboration

Joined by U.S. Consul General Chris Hodges, Ambassador Garcetti and ISRO Chairperson Dr. Somanath met to discuss space collaboration, including on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission, known as NISAR.  He also spoke with industry leaders and members of the American Chamber of Commerce India, focusing on the U.S.- India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) as an important mechanism for expanding our strategic security and technology cooperation.

" The U.S. Ambassador toured the Science Gallery Bengaluru, India’s first independent not-for-profit public institution for research-based engagement and viewed the 'Carbon' exhibition," the US Embassy said in a statement.

Ambassador Garcetti delivered a keynote address at the U.S.-India Commercial Space Cooperation Conference:  Unlocking Opportunities for U.S. Industry and Indian Space Startups, a space industry gathering focused on joint space exploration, launching satellites, and training astronauts.

U.S. Ambassador Garcetti said: “I am delighted to be here today in Bengaluru to participate in the U.S.-India Commercial Space Cooperation Conference.  It is an honour to share the stage with ISRO Chairman Dr. Somnath as we unlock commercial opportunities to propel our partnership to the stars and beyond.  Today’s program is just one of the many ways the United States and India are moving forward to expand space cooperation into the stratosphere.”

On May 25, Ambassador Garcetti met with the former world champion blind cricket team to learn from the diverse team and witness their skills first hand. 

He extended his best wishes for the team’s upcoming trip to the United States to promote blind cricket ahead of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.

Ambassador Garcetti’s inaugural visit to Bengaluru underscored the shared commitment of the U.S. and India to leverage technology and innovation for societal progress, laying the foundation for enhanced collaboration and strategic partnerships in commercial space exploration.