The Consulate General of India, Seattle undertook an official outreach visit to the State of North Dakota on 26–27 February 2026, engaging with state leadership, industry representatives, academic institutions, and the Indian-American community.
In Bismarck, the Consulate had substantive interactions with Hon’ble Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota, and the First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, aimed at advancing India–North Dakota cooperation in trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people ties. A separate meeting with Hon’ble Michael Schmitz, Mayor of Bismarck, focused on the role of the Indian diaspora in the local economic landscape and potential collaboration in the energy and technology sectors.
The visit also included a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Peace Park in Bismarck, acknowledging community efforts in promoting the values of peace and non-violence.
In Grand Forks, the Consulate visited the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Flight Testing and Training Facility (FTTF), receiving a briefing on advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies and developments in the aerospace ecosystem.
Community and consular outreach formed an important component of the visit. The Indian-American community in Bismarck hosted a reception reflecting the growing people-to-people connect between India and North Dakota. In Fargo, the Consulate organised its first Open House on Consular Services, addressing queries related to passport, visa, and OCI services and reaffirming its commitment to efficient service delivery. The visit concluded with a screening of English Vinglish at North Dakota State University (NDSU) under the 2026 India Film Festival series, promoting cultural exchange and academic engagement.
The visit reinforced the expanding and multifaceted partnership between India and the State of North Dakota.
(26-27 February, 2026)
