Top US senators and political leaders emphasised the strong bilateral partnership with India ahead of its 80th Independence Day, saying the country's achievements and its people continue to inspire communities around the world.
In a slew of messages, Senators, Governors and lawmakers from the US Pacific Northwest states of Montana, Washington, Alaska and North Dakota honoured the contributions of Indian Americans to the cultural fabric, economic vitality and civic life of these regions, including as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and professionals across diverse sectors.
Governors and senators of states across the US - from New York to Seattle - have issued proclamations announcing that August 15, 2026 will be commemorated as ‘India Day’ in their respective jurisdictions.
Prominent Senators and lawmakers have also extended messages of congratulations to India and the Indian-American community on the occasion, highlighting India's achievements and the Indian people who “continue to inspire communities around the world,” and expressing confidence in a stronger relationship between India and the US in the years to come.
US Senator from Washington Maria Cantwell said that over the past eight decades, the partnership between the world’s two largest democracies has continued to grow and flourish, reflecting shared democratic values and commitment to prosperity, innovation, and opportunity.
“Over the past eight decades, India has grown into one of the world’s largest and most vibrant democracies, while making remarkable contributions to science, technology, education, culture, and the global economy. The achievements of India and the Indian people continue to inspire communities around the world,” she said.
United States Representative, South Dakota, District At Large, Dusty Johnson said in his message that the world is stronger because India is a stable, forward-looking, growing, and increasingly prosperous country.
He acknowledged “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. There is so much to celebrate with that friendship, and America is happier, more prosperous, and better positioned to tackle the problems of the future, both because of the relationship with India and because of the 5 million Indian Americans.”
US Representative, Washington’s 1st Congressional District, Suzan Delbene, said the partnership between India and the United States is strong, especially in her region.
“So many Indian and Indian American communities that have contributed to our strong economy, to innovation in many sectors, and shared their rich culture throughout our region,” she said.
US Representative from Washington’s 5th Congressional District, Michael Baumgartner, said that as the world faces a very complex set of national security challenges, “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.”
US Representative from Washington’s 8th Congressional District Kim Schrier said 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.”
US Representative from Washington’s 9th Congressional District, Adam Smith, said the US-India relationship 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,” he said.
Marilyn Strickland, US Representative from Washington’s 10th Congressional District, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming the longest continually serving Prime Minister of India earlier this year.
To commemorate the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the Consulate General of India in Seattle released a specially produced rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ performed by Grammy Award-winning violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan together with students from Swara Yoga Ensemble.
Filmed at the Consulate premises, the musical tribute brings together classical Indian artistry and a new generation of young musicians from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the timeless spirit of Vande Mataram and its resonance across generations, the Seattle Consulate said.
The Indian Consulate in Seattle, led by Consul General Prakash Gupta, had scripted history last year when the Indian tricolour was hoisted in the city’s iconic 605-foot-tall Space Needle on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, the first time that a foreign nation’s flag was raised at the popular American destination.
This year, the flag-hoisting ceremony is scheduled to be held on top of the Federal Reserve Building, wherein a large section of US leadership along with leading Indian American community leaders are expected to join.
Governor of the western US state of Montana Greg Gianforte, in a special video message posted on X by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, said his state deeply appreciates 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 Governor Mike Dunleavy said the important milestone of India’s 80th Independence Day honours the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom and self-governance.
“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.”
In his message, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden said: “May the friendship between our people continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Several US Pacific Northwest States, counties and cities issued proclamations honouring India's 80th Independence Day. These include proclamations by the State of Washington, Nebraska and cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, SeaTac and King County Council.
Earlier, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Delaware on the US East Coast issued proclamations on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, declaring August 15, 2026, as ‘India Day’ across the states.