U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Thomas Shannon visited Kolkata for the first time from June 30 – July 1.

During the visit, Under Secretary Shannon made a courtesy call on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna and discussed the growing ties between U.S. and India and the role of West Bengal in that relationship.

While in Kolkata, Under Secretary Shannon visited several local cultural sites including Ramakrishna Mission headquarters at Belur Math where he interacted with senior monks, the Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House where he paid homage to Mother Teresa’s tomb and the Indian Museum. Under Secretary Shannon also interacted with the local media at a roundtable with senior editors at the American Center.