Roosevelt House reopens in Delhi after 5 years; 10,000 flag-clad autos to hit roads in unique campaign

Roosevelt House of the United States Embassy in New Delhi reopened on Tuesday after a five-year hiatus. During the re-opening, a reception was held for Delhi’s diplomatic circle and the Freedom250 campaign marking 250 years of American Independence was kicked off, complete with a fleet of flag-clad auto rickshaws.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the year 2026 would feature a series of events organised by the Embassy. Along with a novel public relations initiative that includes 10,000 flag-clad autos to hit Delhi roads, the event drew together members of the Delhi diplomatic group, pointed out the growing US-India relations.

The Freedom250 campaign gets started

Also Read | How satellite study flags rising local hotspots in Delhi?

US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted the value of the year 2026 for the US and apologised for the small delay. Per The Times of India, he said, "One of the main reasons we’re here is that in 2026, our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our republic.

As some of you walked in, you might have seen many tuktuks (auto rickshaws) carrying the American flag and a message reading, ‘Happy Birthday, 250 years old’. Over the next month, you will see 10,000 of these across New Delhi. The US–India relationship is a testament to this journey.”

"Over the next month, you will see 10,000 of these across New Delhi," he stated and added, “For our Independence Day celebrations and a series of major Freedom250 events throughout the year, we will showcase American innovation and excellence, our nation’s rich history, and the strengthening of our commercial and defence partnership with India. To tell the American story on the scale it deserves, we need to work together.”

The US Ambassador underlined, “It’s a pleasure to welcome everybody to Roosevelt House. Some of you may have been here before; it has been closed for about five years, and we are excited to reopen it.

This residence has stood for nearly 70 years as a landmark of American design and a centre for high-level engagement between our governments. When Edward Durell Stone conceptualised this house, he wanted to demonstrate that architecture itself could serve as diplomacy.”

Despite health issues, Shashi Tharoor presence

Meanwhile, despite a cast on his foot and protective glasses, Shashi Tharoor also joined the event and recalled his previous visit.

“The last time I was here was with Ambassador Richard Verma. Though I knew his successors, they were not in this place; we used to meet him elsewhere. So, it’s wonderful to be back. I do remember the history of this house and particularly the role of Edward Durell Stone. In many ways, I believe architecture conveys a lot about a country, especially when it involves the ambassador’s residence. It’s a pleasure to be here and be part of this," he stated.

Also Read | India slips to 6th spot—how a weaker rupee changed the global rankings

Talking about his condition, he said, “I spent two weeks in a wheelchair, two more in a cast, then took it all off on my birthday (March 9), and decided to celebrate. But then I campaigned without paying enough attention to this. By the end of the campaign, an MRI revealed that my foot was actually worse. So, I had to get the cast back on and do physiotherapy.”

"Meanwhile, I had cataract surgeries. I’m wearing these dorky glasses, because I have to protect my eyes from infection. So it’s everything."

Despite the discomfort, Tharoor still attended “because I said, ‘If I don’t come now, God knows when the next opportunity will be.’ And I did want to see the ambassador and this place.”