Washington, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Governors, senators and members of the US House of Representatives have joined India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations in and around Seattle, highlighting the contributions of the Indian-American community and the growing significance of India-US relations.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle said governors of Washington, South Dakota, Montana and Alaska had sent greetings ahead of a flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for August 15.
Washington and Nebraska have issued official proclamations declaring August 15, 2026, as “India Day” in their respective states. Mayors of Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and SeaTac, along with the King County Council, have also issued proclamations.
The proclamations recognised Indian Americans for their contributions as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and professionals. King County encompasses 39 cities in the Greater Seattle area.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte praised the Indian-American community’s contribution to the state’s cultural, educational and economic life, while Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy highlighted its role in the state’s economy, schools, healthcare system, businesses and communities.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden expressed hope that the friendship between the peoples of India and the US would continue to strengthen.
US Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington said India’s achievements continued to inspire communities around the world and conveyed her appreciation to the Indian Consulate and Indian-American community participating in the celebrations.
Congressman Adam Smith described India-US ties as increasingly important, calling the two nations among the world’s most important countries and saying their cooperation could contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous and stable world. He also praised the Indian-American community in the Puget Sound region for its contributions to education, government, business, innovation and technology.
Congresswoman Kim Schrier highlighted the community’s role in Washington’s educational, cultural and economic life. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson said India’s stability, growth and prosperity strengthened the world and added that the US was also stronger because of its more than five million Indian Americans and its relationship with India.
Congressman Michael Baumgartner, who visited India last year, stressed the wider security importance of bilateral ties, describing India and the US as the world’s two largest democracies with diverse populations and multiple religions.
Representatives Suzan DelBene and Marilyn Strickland also sent messages. DelBene highlighted the Indian-American community’s contributions to the regional economy and innovation, while Strickland praised its commitment to innovation, learning and community.
The Consulate also released a special rendition of “Vande Mataram”, performed by Grammy Award-winning violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and students of the Swara Yoga Ensemble. The performance was recorded at the Consulate.
The Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony will be held atop the Federal Reserve Building in Seattle, with US officials and Indian-American community leaders expected to attend. Seattle had marked India’s Independence Day last year by displaying the Tiranga atop the Space Needle.
India became independent from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. The occasion is observed every year through flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and community events in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
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