US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and West Bengal Finance Minister, Dr Swapan Dasgupta joined diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders and civil society representatives to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata.
Hosted by the US Consulate General in Kolkata, the celebration brought together prominent guests from eastern and northeastern India, reflecting Kolkata’s more than two centuries of historical ties with the United States and the enduring connections between the American and Indian people.
US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz welcomed the gathering, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reaffirm the shared values and growing relationship between the two countries.
The event 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 commemoration celebrates America’s history while looking ahead to the next 250 years and the partnerships that will help shape its future.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Gor highlighted the expanding US-India partnership and its tangible benefits 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,” Gor said.
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Giles-Diaz said it was a privilege to celebrate the historic anniversary in Kolkata, describing the occasion as 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,” she said.
Dr Dasgupta, extending greetings on behalf of the West Bengal Government, welcomed the guests to Kolkata during the festive season and congratulated the American people on the milestone.
“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,” he said.
The evening featured performances by the US Navy Band Orient Express and aerial displays in keeping with the celebration’s theme. Musician 3rd Class Katie Grace Stephenson performed the national anthems of India and the United States.
The celebration also highlighted the breadth of US-India engagement across eastern and northeastern India. Through its 11-state consular district, the US Consulate General in Kolkata works with regional partners to promote trade and investment, strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, and deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
