Kolkata, June 7 (PTI) The US Consulate in Kolkata on Sunday organised the first ‘Joy-Freedom Ride’ motorcycle rally as part of the Freedom 250 campaign, commemorating decades of India-US security cooperation and paying tribute to five Kolkata Police personnel killed in the 2002 terrorist attack on the American Center.
US Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz and West Bengal Cabinet Minister Dilip Ghosh flagged off the rally, which was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the American Center.
More than 250 riders, including American diplomats, Indian police officers, motorcycle enthusiasts and business representatives, participated in the early morning ride through key city landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial, Prinsep Ghat and Lalbazar, the headquarters of the Kolkata Police.
Addressing the gathering, Giles-Diaz said the India-US partnership was built on mutual trust, shared values and a common vision for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
She said the security ties between the two countries had grown stronger in the years following the 2002 attack.
The event was organised in partnership with the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
The consulate said it hopes the Joy-Freedom Ride will become an annual event symbolising the enduring India-US security partnership.
Freedom 250 is a public diplomacy and marketing campaign commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. PTI BSM MNB
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