Kolkata: Ambassador Gor and West Bengal Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta joined guests at ITC Royal Bengal to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
U.S. Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz welcomed senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and representatives of civil society from across eastern and northeastern India. The celebration reflected Kolkata’s more than two centuries of ties with the United States and the enduring connections between the American and Indian people.
The celebration brought together senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and prominent civil society representatives from across eastern and northeast India.
The event was part of the U.S. Mission to India’s Freedom 250 celebrations marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The nationwide commemoration celebrates America’s history while looking ahead to its next 250 years and the partnerships that will help shape that future.
Highlights of the evening included performances by the U.S. Navy Band Orient Express and aerial performances celebrating the evening’s theme. Musician 3rd Class Katie Grace Stephenson performed the national anthems of India and the United States.
Ambassador Gor highlighted the growing U.S.-India partnership and the tangible results it is delivering for both countries.
“Tonight, we celebrate 250 years of American freedom: the freedom to build, to compete, and to win. And here in Kolkata, we also celebrate a U.S.-India partnership that is delivering real results for both of our nations. The United States and India are trusted partners, and the opportunities ahead of us are incredible. From trade and technology to security and the Quad, we are working together to build a more prosperous and secure future for both of our peoples,” Ambassador Gor said.
U.S. Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz said “It is a privilege to celebrate this historic 250th anniversary here in Kolkata. This is more than a commemoration of the past — it is a reaffirmation of the values of liberty, self-government, and unity that continue to unite the American people, and a reminder of the deep and growing ties between the United States and India."
Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta shared a warm message for the occasion stating, “It's always a pleasure to welcome all of you to Kolkata in this festive season when the city comes alive, with both reverence and celebration. It's a privilege to be a part of the special occasion commemorating the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. On behalf of the government of West Bengal, I extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States on this historic milestone.
The Kolkata celebration also reflected the depth of U.S.-India ties across eastern and northeastern India. Across its 11-state consular district, U.S. Consulate General Kolkata works with partners to expand trade and investment, strengthen educational and cultural connections, and deepen the people-to-people ties that have connected Americans and Indians for generations.