During her visit to Kolkata from August 12 to 14, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Kathleen Stephens emphasized the strategic relationship between the United States and India. She highlighted the economic partnership, development agenda, and educational opportunities shared by both nations. "Our partnership has never been so wide or deep as it is today, and we must challenge our governments to reach the full potential of this partnership," she stated.
Ambassador Stephens visited the Child In Need Institute (CINI) to express the U.S. Mission’s commitment to child and maternal health and safety issues. She also inaugurated a recycling program at Consulate Kolkata in collaboration with the NGO South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE). The initiative involves designating recycling locations around consulate buildings where SAFE will collect materials weekly to produce handicrafts, paper, and fertilizers.
In her business outreach efforts, Ambassador Stephens met with industry leaders from various chambers of commerce in Kolkata. The meeting underscored West Bengal's role in regional economic development and aimed to further U.S. economic interests in Eastern India. Additionally, she toured PepsiCo's Frito Lay potato chip factory in Dhulagarh, observing how American companies can enhance rural livelihoods and small-scale businesses.
At Presidency University, Ambassador Stephens addressed students on re-imagining the U.S.-India relationship through educational partnerships. She remarked that "the commitment by both our governments to collaborate on higher education underscores our shared belief that education is the foundation of entrepreneurship and innovation that will drive our knowledge economies and growth, and help us meet new challenges."
Cultural aspects of her trip included visiting Mother House to honor Mother Theresa's life and teachings with a wreath-laying ceremony. She also toured Victoria Memorial, exploring its museum collection.
The visit concluded with a courtesy call on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.