Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump following a phone call where Diwali greetings were exchanged. Modi expressed a hopeful sentiment that both New Delhi and Washington will “continue to illuminate the world with hope.”
“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,” the Prime Minister shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Earlier, President Trump had extended Diwali greetings to the people of India from the Oval Office, marking the occasion by lighting a lamp as part of a White House celebration. He spoke about the symbolic significance of the diya, representing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. He noted that the glow of the diya serves as a reminder to pursue wisdom, work diligently, and be grateful for blessings.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described his conversation with Prime Minister Modi as “great.” He mentioned that trade was a key topic of discussion, with the Prime Minister showing significant interest. Trump also reiterated his claim that trade talks had played a role in preventing conflict between India and Pakistan, a point he has made previously, though India maintains that no third-party mediation was involved in achieving the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan.
The article also touches upon the previous escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan in May, following an Indian operation against terror infrastructure after a terrorist attack. It clarifies that India’s stance has always been that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan was reached through direct communication between their respective military operations directors.