Consulate General of India
Seattle
PRESS RELEASE
Top Leadership from USA Pacific Northwest join in India's 80th Independence Day Celebrations at Seattle!
In a special gesture to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day, Governors of Washington, South Dakota, Montana and Alaska conveyed their greetings and congratulatory messages on the upcoming 15 August flag hoisting ceremony to the Consulate General of India in Seattle. These Governors were also joined by US Senators and US Congressmen, who sent their video greetings congratulating the people of India. These included US Senator Maria Cantwell, US Congressman Adam Smith, US Congresswoman Kim Schrier, US Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, US Congressman Dusty Johnson, US Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, and US Congressman Michael Baumgartner.
2. In addition, in a special recognition, the States of Washington and Nebraska also issued official proclamations declaring 15th August 2026 as INDIA DAY across their entire jurisdictions.Mayors of Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, SeaTac and the entire King County Council (covering 39 cities) of the Greater Seattle Area also issued proclamations – honouring 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.
3. In some of the key observations made by leadership from US Pacific Northwest, Greg Gianforte, Hon'ble Governor of Montana 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”. Mike Dunleavy, Hon'ble Governor of Alaska stated “Alaska is proud to be home to a vibrant Indian and Indian American community. Your contributions to our economy, our school, our healthcare system, our businesses, and our communities makes 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”. Larry Rhoden, Hon'ble Governor of South Dakota wished “May the friendship between our people continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
4. From the US Senate, Senator Maria 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”. From the US House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman Adam Smith noted“It's also the 80th anniversary of U.S.-India relations, a relationship that has gone 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.” Another U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier added “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 had 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.” U.S. Congresswoman Marilyn 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”. U.S. Congresswoman Suzan Delbene called “The partnership between India and the United States is strong, especially in our 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”
5. From South Dakota, U.S Congressman Dusty 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. 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. So, looking forward to the growing friendship and the great days to come. Thanks for everything that you've done.” In addition, U.S. Congressman Michael Baumgartner added “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”
6. To mark the upcoming 80thIndependence Day celebrations, Consulate also released a specially produced rendition of "Vande Mataram”, which was performed by Grammy Award-winning violinist Shri 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.
7. It may be noted that the upcoming 15 August celebrations are being hosted with a Flag Hoisting ceremony scheduled on the top of the Federal Reserve Building, wherein a large section of US leadership along with leading Indian American community leaders are expected to join. It may also be recalled that Seattle has the unique distinction of raising the Indian Tiranga on top of the Space Needle to mark India’s Independence Day last year.
Enclosures:
1) Annex I: Transcript of text of Video Messages / Greetings received
2) Video Messages of US Leadership on India’s 80th Independence Day
Link: https://tinyurl.com/3t9txvrk
3) Video collage of Proclamations
Link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9vheu6
4) Video on “Vande Mataram”
Link: https://rb.gy/w97pvf
5) Proclamation Letters
(Seattle, 14 August 2026)
For any further queries, please contact Soumith Raju K, Press Officer
Email: pic.seattle@mea.gov.in;
