Karnataka CM cancels Delhi visit and pitches Bengaluru as US tech bridge

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has cancelled a scheduled two-day visit to New Delhi, originally intended for September 7 and 8. The trip was expected to include discussions with the Congress High Command and efforts to submit a memorandum to the central government seeking drought relief.

The state government has declared 101 taluks as drought-affected, with further assessments ongoing. Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the state aims to submit a formal memorandum to the Centre by late September or early next month to secure relief for crop losses, drinking water, and livestock fodder.

In a separate development, Chief Minister Shivakumar addressed an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, where he positioned Bengaluru as a technological bridge between India and the United States. He called for increased cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Shivakumar noted that over 1,000 American companies operate in Karnataka, representing nearly half of the total American corporate presence in India.