News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked United States President Donald Trump for his Diwali greetings following a telephonic conversation between the two leaders on the occasion of the festival of lights.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed appreciation for Trump’s warm wishes and underscored the shared democratic values and global responsibilities that bind India and the United States.

“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms,” Modi wrote on X.

US President Donald Trump hosted Diwali celebrations at the White House on Tuesday (local time), extending his greetings to Indians and Indian-Americans across the world. During his remarks, Trump praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great friend,” while highlighting the strength of US-India relations in areas like trade and regional peace.

“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that,” Trump said, adding that the two leaders discussed peace in the region, including relations with Pakistan.

“He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years,” the US president added.

The president later lit diyas at the White House, describing the festival as a “symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.”

Several senior members of the Trump administration attended the celebration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

A delegation of prominent Indian-American business leaders also participated in the ceremony, reflecting the growing role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening US-India ties. The White House celebration once again highlighted Diwali’s cultural significance in American society and the enduring friendship between the two democracies.