New York City Mayor Eric Adams faced backlash after mistakenly referring to India as Pakistan multiple times during his speech at the 78th Indian Independence Day celebration held at the Queens 9th India Day Parade. The error, made while addressing the Indian diaspora from a stage adorned with Indian flags and banners, has drawn significant attention.
During his address on Saturday, Adams, who was holding both the Indian and American flags, repeatedly used the term “Pakistan” instead of “India.” His comments included references to “Pakistani officers” and “little Pakistan in Queens and Brooklyn.” The mistake was corrected by an attendee shouting “India” from the crowd.
The confusion follows Adams’ recent participation in a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence Day, which took place just a day before. The Mayor’s mix-up at the Indian Independence Day event was noticeable given the dual celebrations and the prominent display of Indian national symbols.
Apologies were issued after the event, with Mayor Adams acknowledging the oversight. “I deeply regret the error in my speech and am grateful to the community members who brought it to my attention,” Adams said. “I remain committed to celebrating and honoring the diverse cultures and contributions of all communities in New York City.”
The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining sensitivity to diverse cultural events, particularly when engaging with multiple communities in a short period.
