United States: New York and New Jersey have officially proclaimed August 15 as ‘India Independence Day’, recognising India’s journey from colonial rule to being world’s largest democracy and an emerging strong economy. By officially marking August 15 as India’s Independence Day, the neighbouring states of the United States are celebrating the growing contributions of the Indian Americans to the the US.
The declarations come ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day and underscores the enduring people-to-people and democratic ties between India and the United States.
New Jersey joins in celebrating India’s Independence Day! 🇮🇳🇺🇸
We express our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Governor @MikieSherrill for proclaiming August 15, 2026, as “Indian Independence Day” in New Jersey.
➡️ The Proclamation recognizes the significant contributions of the… pic.twitter.com/xL0fvPTean
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) August 12, 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued the proclamations, with the Consulate General of India in New York announcing the recognition on August 11, Tuesday. The move comes as Indian-American communities across the US prepare for Independence Day celebrations featuring flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and community gatherings.
New York joins in celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day with a special recognition of the enduring bonds between India and the United States. 🇮🇳🇺🇸
We express our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Governor @GovKathyHochul for proclaiming August 15, 2026 as “India Independence Day”… pic.twitter.com/EipwsAIKWl
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) August 11, 2026
The global proclamations highlight India’s historic struggle for independence and its commitment to self-determination, self-governance and democratic values. It also recognises the important role played by the Indian Americans in strengthening the cultural, economic and civic fabric of the states of New York and New Jersey, which houses one of the largest Indian community across the United States.
New York, New Jersey honours the contribution of Indian-Americans
Hochul’s proclamation highlighted the Indian-American community’s contributions to New York’s cultural, economic and civic life. Indian-origin residents have established a strong presence across sectors including technology, business, healthcare, education, research and public service.
The New York proclamation also acknowledges India’s independence movement and its wider significance, including the country’s pursuit of peaceful resistance, political freedom and democratic self-governance.
In New Jersey, Sherrill’s proclamation described the state as home to one of the “largest and most vibrant Indian-American communities in the US”. It recognised Indian Americans for their contributions across education, healthcare, research, technology, business, public service and community leadership.
Indian-American community organisations in both states have also played a significant role in preserving Indian languages, traditions, music, cuisine and cultural practices while contributing to the multicultural character of their communities.
The Consulate General of India in New York welcomed the proclamations and thanked both governors, saying the recognition reflected the enduring bonds of friendship, democracy and shared values between India and the United States.
Delaware, Massachusetts join India Day recognition
The latest proclamations by New York and New Jersey follow similar recognitions by other US states and cities. Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has proclaimed August 15, 2026, as ‘India Day’, recognising the growing role of the Indian-American community in the state.
Meyer’s proclamation noted that Delawareans of Indian heritage have enriched the state through their work, leadership and community service. It also highlighted India’s diversity of languages, traditions, faiths and customs and the role of Indian Americans in carrying that heritage forward in the US.
🇮🇳 Delaware celebrates India Day! 🇺🇸
We thank Hon’ble Governor Matthew Meyer @MattMeyerDE for proclaiming August 15, 2026 as “India Day” in Delaware.
➡️ On India’s Independence Day, the Proclamation recognizes contributions of Delawareans of Indian heritage in work, leadership,… pic.twitter.com/ZAEzi1Qy5D
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) August 13, 2026
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey earlier declared August 15 as ‘India Day’, recognising the Indian diaspora’s contribution to civic engagement, cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also issued a similar proclamation.
The recognitions come as Indian-American communities across the US gear up for the 80th Independence Day. From the Indian Embassy in Washington and consulates to cities across the country, celebrations are expected to include flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances and community events.
With around 5.4 million people of Indian origin residing in the US, the strong diaspora network has emerged as a significant force in the country’s economic, social and cultural life.
