US state governors, federal senators and members of the House of Representatives joined celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day in Seattle, underscoring the vital contributions of the Indian-American community and the expanding strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
Governors from Washington, South Dakota, Montana and Alaska extended formal greetings ahead of the official flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for August 15, according to a statement issued by the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
In his message, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte commended the community’s role across his state. “In Montana, we deeply appreciate the contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to our state’s cultural, educational, and economic life. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy highlighted the community’s impact on local institutions. He further praised the Indian community in the Puget Sound region for its leadership across education, governance, commercial enterprise, innovation and technology. He added that the United States is bolstered by its community of over five million Indian Americans and its multifaceted partnership with India.
Your commitment to innovation, learning, and community enriches all of us,” he said. “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,” she said. Highlighting India’s global standing, Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota stated that the international community is stronger with India acting as “a stable, forward-looking, growing, and increasingly prosperous country”.
