Envoy Eric Garcetti on Friday said India and the USA are working to build a future-focussed relationship that extends from the seabed to the stars

He was speaking at the event marking the U.S. National Day to celebrate the 248th year of American Independence and the 230th year of the U.S. presence in Kolkata.

The event also marked the U.S.-India collaboration in space.

Garcetti said: "We celebrate all the many small steps and giant leaps the United States and India have taken together – and all the other milestones we’ve marked along our journey – as we build a future-focused relationship that extends from the seabed to the stars, and beyond.”

Consul General Melinda Pavek said, “From the seas of 1794 to the stars of 2024, we salute the small steps and giant leaps that have turned this U.S.-India moment into global momentum for the betterment of democracy.”

The Chief Guest of the evening was Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, B.P. Gopalika.