Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella refers to himself as a "product" of the US-Indian relationship.

Over 500 people attended a Republic Day reception in Seattle where Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the relationship between India and the US.

During the Republic Day ceremony, senior government officials and US congressmen commended the efforts of the Indian community, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he is the “product of the bond” between India and the US.

In honor of India's 76th Republic Day, the Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a special celebration at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre on Sunday, according to PTI.

According to a press release from the Consulate, more than 500 members of the Indian-American community attended the reception, which was hosted by Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Nadella as Guests of Honor. In a rare first, a number of US Congressmen also attended the nighttime festivities.

Speaking to the audience, Nadella said that he “was a product of the link that exists between the two countries (India and US)."

According to the press release, he commended the leadership of both countries for their "focus on how to use technology to leverage education outcomes, health outcomes, public service efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of small businesses."

Ferguson, the recently elected 24th Governor of Washington State, spoke to the Indian-American community during the Republic Day reception, recognizing "the incredible contribution the Indian society makes not just for India but for the entire world."

He went on to say that he was eager to strengthen his ties with the Indian Consulate General in Seattle as the new governor of the State of Washington.

A State Senate Resolution, introduced by State Senator Manka Dhingra and backed by Senator Vandana Slatter, was passed by the Olympia State Senate to commemorate the 76th Republic Day of India and the close ties between the Indian and American people.

A notable lineup of high-ranking government officials, legislators, and mayors from ten cities also attended the Republic Day reception, which was hosted by Prakash Gupta, the Consul General of India in Seattle.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, and Rep. Kim Schrier were among the members of the US Congress who attended the evening festivities and commended India's accomplishments as the largest democracy in the world.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, and several senators and representatives from Washington State were among the other notable attendees.

The 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) program, which highlighted a distinctive cultural heritage product from each Indian state and union territory, was one of several exhibitions honoring India's cultural diversity at the Republic Day reception in Seattle.

In honor of the occasion, a photo exhibit called "India through Tim's Eyes" was organized, showcasing some of the country's most famous tourist destinations as captured by professional photographer Tim Durkan on a trip to India in September of last year.

The reception also included a specially organized dance performance called "Natyam," which showcased several Bharat dance traditions and was warmly welcomed by everyone in attendance.

According to the announcement, the city of Seattle also marked Republic Day by lighting up a number of its famous structures, such as the Columbia Center, the Seattle Convention Center, and the Seattle Great Wheel, in shades of the Indian tricolor.

Nadella had visited with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi earlier this month. "Thank you for your leadership, PM @narendramodi ji. In a post on X on his meeting with Modi, the Microsoft Chairman and CEO stated, "We are excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first and work together on our continued expansion in the country to ensure every Indian benefits from this AI platform shift."

Modi has expressed gratitude for Microsoft's aggressive intentions for investment and growth in India. Indeed, meeting you, @satyanadella, was a pleasure! I'm happy to learn about Microsoft's aggressive intentions for investment and growth in India. In response to Nadella's post, Modi had remarked, "It was also fantastic to discuss various aspects of tech, innovation, and AI in our meeting."