New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued an apology after mistakenly referring to India as Pakistan multiple times during an Indian Independence Day celebration in Queens.
The incident occurred at the Queens 9th India Day Parade on Saturday, where Adams addressed members of the Indian-American community.
The event was adorned with Indian flags, tricolour balloons, and banners celebrating the Indian community, with Adams holding both the Indian tricolour and the American flag.
Despite the surroundings, Adams inadvertently mentioned Pakistan instead of India three times during his speech.
“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,” Adams said.
He continued, “…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.”
The error was quickly pointed out by someone in the crowd, who corrected him by shouting “India.”
Mayor Adams had attended flag-raising ceremonies at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan on August 14 and 15 to mark the independence days of Pakistan and India, respectively.
