In an error at an Indian Independence Day celebration in Queens, New York City Mayor Eric Adams called India and its diaspora community 'Pakistan'. Adams spoke before a crowd of the Indian-American community at the Queens 9th India Day Parade on Saturday. The stage was bathed in Indian flags, tricolored balloons, and banners that read 'Mayor Adams Celebrates the Indian Community'.
Adams was holding an Indian tricolor in one hand and an American flag in the other. The members of the Indian diaspora surrounded him, holding Indian flags and wearing tricolored garments.
However, during his speech, Adams involuntarily referred to Pakistan instead of India thrice. We raised the flag earlier this week at Bowling Green…And I think no greater symbol of what you offer to this community than the men and women who are part of the law enforcement community, who are here, the Pakistani officers, who are continuing to grow in their numbers and ranks as they continue to show that public safety is the prerequisite to our prosperity.".
“…So I thank you for allowing me to come here. I've known this community for so long, from little Pakistan and Queens, little Pakistan and Brooklyn, you are a major foundation of our entire city. So let's continue to celebrate your independence.”
A voice from the audience corrected him, shouting "India" and "It's India."
Weeks earlier, on August 15, the Mayor had attended a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park in lower Manhattan to mark India's Independence Day. The previous day he was at the same park to mark Pakistan's Independence Day.
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