New York City Mayor Eric Adams mistakenly referred 'India' as 'Pakistan' thrice during an Independence Day celebration in Queens.
Adams made the faux pas while addressing members of the Indian-American community at the Queens 9th India Day Parade on Saturday.
The New York Mayor had spoken at a flag-raising ceremony at the same venue for Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14.
Adams addressed the crowd from a stage adorned with Indian flags, tricolor balloons, and banners reading "Mayor Adams Celebrates the Indian Community."
While making his remarks on the Indian diaspora, Eric Adams mixed up India with Pakistan 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," he said.
"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,” he added.
However, the Mayor was corrected by someone from the crowd who said, "India, It’s India."
Speaking on the issue, a spokesperson of the Mayor's office said, Adams proactively went back on stage and apologized for the mistake.
"(He) made clear he was proud to be there to celebrate India’s independence," the spokesperson said, according to the New York Post.
In a post on X, the Mayor said, "So great to be with our Indian community in Queens today for their annual parade celebrating their independence! These New Yorkers are an essential part of our city, and we are proud to work with them every day."
