Millions of lamps were lit across India on Monday as people celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. On this auspicious occasion, prominent leaders from around the world extended their greetings to those celebrating. Notable figures included US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, all of whom shared messages of goodwill with people in their countries and across the globe.
Donald Trump’s Message
In a statement released by the White House, President Trump conveyed his best wishes for the Festival of Lights. He remarked, “For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness. It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal.” He added, “As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil.”
Keir Starmer’s Diwali Greetings
The UK Prime Minister extended his greetings to the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities across Britain. He shared, “Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let’s keep building a Britain where everyone can look ahead with hope.”
Mark Carney (Canada)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his Diwali wishes, stating, “Tonight, families and communities across Canada will light diyas and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness — of good over evil. Wishing everyone celebrating Diwali a joyful Festival of Lights.”
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Wishes for India
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Diwali wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. He conveyed, “Wishing my friend Narendra Modi and the people of India a very Happy Diwali! May the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace and prosperity to your great nation. Israel and India stand together — partners in innovation, friendship, defence and a brighter future.”
Shehbaz Sharif’s Greetings from Pakistan
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu minority community in Pakistan and worldwide. He posted, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings to our Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world. As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity.” He further emphasized, “The spirit of Diwali that embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality. Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE)
The Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, shared warm wishes, saying, “Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali!”
Lawrence Wong (Singapore)
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong conveyed his Diwali wishes through a video message, stating, “Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead.”
Anura Kumara Dissanayake (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan President sent Diwali greetings, praying, “As lamps are lit in every home, we pray that this festival’s light dispels the darkness in our hearts and illuminates our collective path. This celebration of good over evil mirrors our government’s resolve to defeat the threats to our nation’s progress, from drug abuse to extremism…”
Messages from Individuals of Indian Origin
FBI Director Kash Patel, of Indian origin, shared, “Happy Diwali—celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world, as good triumphs over evil.” Indian-origin billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy posted, “Happy Diwali! May the light prevail over darkness.” Zohran Mamdani, a prominent Indian-origin figure in New York, wished, “Shubh Deepavali! Wishing everyone a very happy Diwali. Across our city, families are lighting diyas and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. New York shines brighter tonight because of the people who bring their light and traditions home.”