Trump Calls PM Modi a “Great Friend”
During his address, Trump spoke fondly of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “great person” and “a great friend,” and he shared that he had spoken with the Indian leader earlier in the day about trade and peace in the region, as per an ANI report.
The US president said during the Diwali event at the White House, “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. Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan,” adding, “The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,” as quoted by ANI.
Trump also emphasized that Modi is “A great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years,” as quoted in the report.
Trump Celebrates Diwali at the White House and Lights Diyas
He then went on to reflect on the deeper meaning of Diwali, saying, ” In a few moments, we’ll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness… It’s knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed,” as quoted by ANI.Trump also highlighted that the glowing diya serves as a reminder “to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings,” as quoted in the report.ALSO READ: Intuitive Surgical stock jumps after beating Q3 earnings expectations & raising outlook for FY25
Senior US and Indian Officials Attend the Diwali Celebration At White House
After his remarks, Trump lit the ceremonial diyas to celebrate Diwali at the White House, reported ANI. The event was attended by several senior officials from his administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, as per the report.
Prominent Indian-American business leaders were also present, symbolizing the growing influence and engagement of the Indian diaspora in US-India relations, as per the ANI report.
US Congress Recognizes Diwali’s Cultural Importance
While, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali, which began on October 20. The resolution honors the festival’s meaning to over three million Indian-Americans, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, and acknowledges their contributions to American society, reported ANI.
FAQs
What did President Trump say about Prime Minister Modi?
He praised Modi as a “great person” and “a great friend,” as per the ANI report.
Did Trump celebrate Diwali?
Yes and he also lit ceremonial diyas at the White House.
