IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 647 

Expressing support for the designation of August 15, 2023, as ‘‘Indian 

Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of World’s Two Largest Democracies’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

AUGUST 4, 2023 

Mr. THANEDAR (for himself, Mr. CARTER of Georgia, and Mr. SHERMAN) 

submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 

on Foreign Affairs 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of August 15, 2023, 

as ‘‘Indian Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of World’s Two Largest Democracies’’. 

Whereas the Republic of India achieved its independence 

from the British Empire on August 15, 1947, marking 

the end of the struggle which freed the Indian people; 

Whereas, on said day, Jawaharlal Nehru, the inaugural 

Prime Minister of India, hoisted the Indian national flag 

above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi; 

Whereas members of India’s numerous ethnic groups, minorities, and religions including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and 

Christians, all participate in the celebration of Independence Day; 


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•HRES 647 IH 

Whereas, according to United Nations population estimates, 

India is the largest democracy in the world, with an estimated population of more than 1,425,000,000 people; 

Whereas India’s contributions to democracy have inspired 

leaders and movements across the globe, including civil 

rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; 

Whereas India embraces with the United States a system 

where the ultimate authority to govern is vested in the 

people; 

Whereas these and other ideals have forged a close bond between our two nations and their peoples; 

Whereas Prime Minister Modi’s Official State Visit to the 

United States on June 22, 2023, anchored the United 

States and India in a new level of trust and mutual understanding based on common interests and shared commitments to freedom, democracy, pluralism, the rule of 

law, and respect for human rights; 

Whereas Americans with Indian heritage enhance public life 

in the United States as government officials, military 

personnel, and law enforcement officers who diligently 

uphold the principles of the United States Constitution 

and contribute to the enriching diversity of the Nation; 

and 

Whereas it is proper and desirable to celebrate with the Indian people, and to reaffirm the democratic principles on 

which our two nations were born: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) expresses support for the designation of 

3 ‘‘Indian Independence Day: A National Day of Cele4 bration of World’s Two Largest Democracies’’; 


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•HRES 647 IH 

1 (2) offers heartfelt greetings to the people of 

2 India as they conclude their festivities commemo3 rating the 75th anniversary of India’s liberation 

4 from the British Empire; 

5 (3) acknowledges the contributions of Ameri6 cans of Indian descent to society in the United 

7 States; and 

8 (4) expresses the belief that the strong partner9 ship between the United States and India, rooted in 

10 shared democratic values, will continue to advance 

11 global democracy and foster peace, stability, and 

12 prosperity for all nations. 

Æ 


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