The US President lit the diya in the Oval Office, calling it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India".
Washington: US President Donald Trump hosted a special Diwali event at the White House, where he termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a great person” and said he loves “the people of India”. The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, the new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Leading business leaders from the Indian diaspora were also part of the celebrations.
Trump lit the diya in the Oval Office, calling it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India.”
“It's knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed. The glow of the diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings,” he added.
The Indian Ambassador thanked President Trump for opening up the White House to mark the festival of Diwali. "Mr President, let me start first of all by expressing a deep sense of gratitude for opening up White House, Oval Office, your home to mark Diwali's festival of lights, which is celebrated by one-fifth of humanity... You are showcasing the strength of diversity through this celebration. So it's truly a great honor. On behalf of my Prime Minister and my own behalf, I wish you and your loved ones very, very happy Diwali greetings, particularly to the over 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US, and I close by making a wish, which is what we do for Diwali. We wish that the light of Diwali continues to shine on your success and on the strength of India,” Kwatra noted.
FBI Director Kash Patel, one of the most prominent Indian Americans serving in the Trump administration, praised Trump for celebrating Diwali at the White House. “It's an honor to be a first-generation Indian-American…Under your leadership, so many more millions of Americans are living that dream, and to celebrate here in the Oval Office on Diwali, which you said…is a triumph of good over evil. It's just an incredible honour. It's incredibly humbling. Indian Americans around the world, Indians around the world are thrilled that you are such a profound leader in sharing this diversity with the world,” he added.
While speaking to reporters, Trump claimed he spoke to Prime Minister Modi and the two sides are working on some great deals between our countries. “I just spoke to your Prime Minister. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that,” he said.
Trump also reiterated that he had been assured that India is “not going to buy much oil from Russia.”
Modi thanks Trump for Diwali wishes
PM Modi thanked Trump for the Diwali greetings and expressed hope to stand united against all forms of terrorism. He took to X and said, "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.”
Trade deal likely in Nov
Meanwhile, India and the US are closing in on a long-pending trade deal that could slash the current tariffs for Indian exports to 15-16 per cent from the current 50 per cent, according to multiple reports. With energy and agriculture emerging as key cards at the negotiating table, India may agree to gradually reduce its imports of Russian oil. India may also allow more non-genetically modified (GM) American corn and soymeal into its markets. Further, it is pushing for a mechanism to revisit tariffs and market access over time in the agreement.
