Kolkata: The U.S. Consulate General Kolkata hosted the U.S. National Day event to celebrate the 248th year of American Independence, the 230th year of the U.S. presence in Kolkata, and U.S.-India collaboration in space, on July 19 in Kolkata. 

Joining the celebrations, U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti emphasized, “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 highlighted, “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, Mr. B.P. Gopalika.