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In a special gesture marking India’s 80th Independence Day, the governors of Washington, South Dakota, Montana and Alaska conveyed greetings and congratulatory messages ahead of the August 15 flag-hoisting ceremony organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
Several members of the U.S. Congress also sent video messages congratulating the people of India, according to a statement from the Consulate. They included U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and U.S. Reps. Adam Smith, Kim Schrier, Suzan DelBene, Dusty Johnson, Marilyn Strickland and Michael Baumgartner.
In separate recognitions, Washington and Nebraska issued official proclamations declaring August 15, 2026, as “India Day” across their respective states. The mayors of Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and SeaTac, along with the King County Council, which represents an area encompassing 39 cities, also issued proclamations recognizing the contributions of Indian Americans to the “cultural fabric, economic vitality and civic life” of the region. The proclamations highlighted their contributions as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and professionals across a range of sectors.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said, “Deeply appreciate the contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to our state’s cultural, educational, and economic life. Your commitment to innovation, learning, and community enriches all of us.”
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy stated, “Alaska is proud to be home to a vibrant Indian and Indian American community. Your contributions to our economy, our schools, our healthcare system, our businesses, and our communities make Alaska a stronger place. On behalf of the people of Alaska, I want to congratulate the Consulate General of India in Seattle and everyone celebrating this special occasion.”
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden wished, “May the friendship between our people continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
From the U.S. Senate, Cantwell stated, “The achievements of India and the Indian people continue to inspire communities around the world. So, on this special occasion, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the Indian-American community, and everyone participating in today’s celebration.”
Smith highlighted the relationship between the United States and India and the contributions of the Indian American community in the Puget Sound region.
“It’s also the 80th anniversary of U.S.-India relations, a relationship that has grown stronger with each passing year and is incredibly important right now. Two of the most important countries in the world, working together to try to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable society. And I really want to thank the Indian community in the Puget Sound region. They contribute so much to all of us in education, in government, in business, in innovation, and technology. They are making our community a stronger place to live every single day,” Smith said.
Schrier also recognized the contributions of Indian Americans in Washington state. “I hope today you can all celebrate this amazing milestone with delicious Indian food and music and art and family and by reflecting not only on the accomplishments that have been made by India but that have been made in our country by Indian Americans. Washington’s Indian American community is central to our educational, cultural, economic life and your commitment to innovation and learning and family and community really enriches all of us and all of our communities,” she said.
Strickland noted, “We deeply appreciate your country’s commitment to innovation, to learning, and community, which continues to enrich American culture today. I also want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for becoming the longest continually serving Prime Minister of India earlier this year. On behalf of the South Sound, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Consulate General of India in Seattle.”
DelBene highlighted the India-U.S. partnership and the role of Indian Americans in the Pacific Northwest. “The partnership between India and the United States is strong, especially in our region. So many Indian and Indian American communities have contributed to our strong economy, to innovation in many sectors, and shared their rich culture throughout our region,” she said.
From South Dakota, Johnson stated, “I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in India’s history. That is a big accomplishment.
And then number three, I want to celebrate and acknowledge the 80th birthday of India, the world’s largest democracy. Our world is stronger because India is a stable, forward-looking, growing, and increasingly prosperous country. Number four, I just want to acknowledge how much stronger America is because of the more than 5 million Indian Americans, and also how much stronger America is because of this great relationship we have with India.”
Baumgartner reflected on his visit to India and emphasized the importance of bilateral relations amid global security challenges.
“Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to make my first visit to India, and I tell everyone that as the world faces a very complex set of national security challenges, that I think the peace and stability of the world really rests in part on good, solid relations between America and India, as the world’s two largest democracies and two countries with different diversities and multiple religions. So, I want to wish all of you a very warm India National Day,” he said.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Consulate also released a specially produced rendition of “Vande Mataram,” performed by Grammy Award-winning violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan alongside students from the Swara Yoga Ensemble.
Filmed at the Consulate, the musical tribute combines classical Indian artistry with performances by a new generation of young musicians from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the enduring significance of “Vande Mataram” across generations.
The Consulate’s August 15 celebrations will include a flag-hoisting ceremony atop the Federal Reserve Building, with U.S. officials and Indian American community leaders expected to attend.
The Consulate also noted that Seattle marked India’s Independence Day last year by raising the Indian national flag atop the Space Needle.
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