US Ambassador Sergio Gor and West Bengal Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta joined diplomats, business leaders and senior officials at ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The event, hosted by the US Consulate General in Kolkata, brought together government officials, business leaders, diplomats and representatives of civil society from eastern and northeastern India. The celebration highlighted the longstanding ties between Kolkata and the United States, as well as the enduring relationship between the American and Indian people.
US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz welcomed the guests, describing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate America’s historic milestone and reaffirm the shared values and growing partnership between the two countries.
The programme was part of the US Mission to India’s ‘Freedom 250’ celebrations, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The nationwide initiative commemorates American history while looking ahead to future partnerships and cooperation.
The evening featured performances by the US Navy Band Orient Express and aerial displays. Musician 3rd Class Katie Grace Stephenson performed the national anthems of India and the United States.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Gor underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries, highlighting cooperation in trade, technology, security and the Quad.
“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,” Gor said.
He described the United States and India as trusted partners and expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead, adding that both countries were working together to build a more prosperous and secure future.
US Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz said it was a privilege to mark the historic anniversary in Kolkata. She said the occasion was not merely a commemoration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the values of liberty, self-government and unity that continue to unite the American people.
West Bengal Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta congratulated the people of the United States on the milestone on behalf of the state government.
Welcoming the guests to Kolkata during the festive season, Dasgupta said it was a privilege to be part of the special occasion marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The celebration also highlighted the role of the US Consulate General in Kolkata in strengthening bilateral ties across its 11-state consular district, which covers eastern and northeastern India.
The consulate works with regional partners to promote trade and investment, expand educational and cultural exchanges, and strengthen people-to-people connections between India and the United States.
