Consul General David J. Ranz welcomed chief guest, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and commended his leadership throughout the pandemic. MUMBAI, 01st JULY, 2022 (GPN): The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai celebrated the 246th anniversary of U.S. independence last night in Mumbai.  Chief Guest Iqbal Singh Chahal, BMC Commissioner, joined Chargè d’Affaires Patricia Lacina and Consul General David J. Ranz to mark the birthday of the United States.  The event also recognized the 75^th anniversary of U.S.-India diplomatic ties.  A highlight of the evening was the pageantry of the presentation of the colors by a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. Chargè d’Affaires Patricia Lacina, Consul General David J. Ranz, and Cultural Affairs Officer Yoon Nam stand for the U.S. national anthem, which was played after the Indian national anthem. Reflecting upon the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, Chargè d’Affaires Lacina said, “With our shared values, we are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges together.  From fighting the climate crisis to improving health outcomes to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, the United States and India collaborate across nearly every field of endeavor to improve the lives of our citizens.  Our partnership at 75 is working toward a more prosperous, free, connected, and secure world.” Presentation of the colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guards. In his remarks, Consul General Ranz recognized Commissioner Chahal for his extraordinary efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, saying: “His leadership was critical to saving countless lives.”  Ranz highlighted the significant progress made in the U.S.-India relationship over his three-year tenure, including in the areas of bilateral trade and investment, higher education, women’s economic empowerment, civil society strengthening, and addressing the climate crisis.  “As I prepare to depart India, I leave with a sense of accomplishment, and full of optimism, absolutely confident in the bright future of our two nations, and in the strength of the U.S.-India relationship.  Our people and indeed the world is counting on this relationship to thrive,” said Ranz. The event commemorated the July 4, 1776 adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and marked the country’s 246-year history as the world’s oldest democracy.  Guests celebrated the rich diversity that is the source of both nations’ strength, the common commitment to democratic values and freedoms, and the shared future made possible through close U.S.-Indian bilateral ties.-Ends-