USA and Bangladesh Withdraw from Kolkata Book Fair 2025
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair opens on January 22 at the Salt Lake Central Park fairground with notable absences. For the first time since 2006, the United States will not participate in this major literary event. Bangladesh, another regular participant, also continues its absence for the second consecutive year.
Budget Constraints Force USA to Skip Event
Organizers from the Publishers and Booksellers Guild confirmed the news. The US consulate sent a formal letter to the Guild several weeks ago. They expressed regret over their inability to join this year's fair. The primary reason cited was a lack of allocated budget for participation.
Tridib Chatterjee, the guild's general secretary, shared details. "The US consulate informed us some time back that they were not able to participate in this year's IKBF, stating that their budget was not permitting," he said. "They expressed that they would keep in touch and hoped to renew their ties with us in the future."
Guild officials expressed significant disappointment over this development. The USA had been a major participant until last year. They consistently sent large delegations and cultural teams to the fair. In 2011, the country even served as the focal theme nation.
Ukraine Joins as First-Time Participant
While the USA withdraws, Ukraine makes its debut at the Kolkata Book Fair. This marks the first time Ukraine will participate in the event. Guild officials welcomed this new addition with enthusiasm.
A Guild official commented on Ukraine's participation. "We are happy that Ukraine is participating in IKBF for the first time," they said. "Book lovers will get a first-hand experience of Ukrainian art and literature at the book fair."
Ukraine's presence carries special significance. When the book fair resumed in 2022 after a Covid-induced gap, Ukraine was a central topic of discussion due to its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Argentina Named Focal Theme Country for 2026
The fair organizers revealed another important announcement. Argentina will serve as the focal theme country for IKBF 2026. This marks the first time Argentina receives this honor at the Kolkata Book Fair.
Other Participating Nations and Future Plans
Approximately twenty countries will participate in this year's book fair. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Nepal, and Peru are among the confirmed participants. Australia returns to the fair after skipping last year's event.
Discussions about future participation continue despite current setbacks. The USA had shown keen interest in becoming the focal theme country for IKBF 2027. Guild officials noted that these plans now face uncertainty due to the current situation.
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair promises diverse international representation despite these changes. Visitors can explore literary offerings from multiple continents while noting the absence of two previously regular participants.
