Indian Consulate open in Atlanta, trade boost expected

By Shomial Ahmad

Atlanta, GA – TThe Indian consulate estimates there are about 80,000 Indians living in the metro area. Consul General Ajit Kumar says Atlanta's position as a southeast hub was one draw to open a consulate here.

"We saw a tremendous potential to improve our trade. In fact in 2010, Georgia's imports from India totaled over one billion dollars."

But it's not just bringing goods from India. Emory business professor Jagdish Sheth sees benefits in certain sectors of Georgia's economy, like education, information technology and auto manufacturing.

"As trade grows, you have more visa requirements, you have more people travelling back and forth. It is going to happen more with India, and therefore a consulate here will become very much a good enabler."

The consulate is currently in a temporary location in Buckhead. In addition to Georgia, the consulate serves such Southeastern states as Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.