President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House, offering warm felicitations to the people of India and the vibrant Indian-American community. During the event, he spoke highly of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, characterizing him as a ‘great person’ and a ‘great friend,’ and emphasizing the strong collaboration on trade and regional stability between the US and India. Trump shared insights from a recent conversation with PM Modi, noting their discussions on trade and their success in preventing conflict with Pakistan. He remarked, ‘We have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,’ and added that PM Modi is ‘a great person, and he has become a great friend of mine over the years.’ Highlighting the festival’s core message, Trump stated that the lighting of the diya symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and good over evil. He referenced the traditional stories of vanquished foes and liberated captives associated with Diwali. Following his remarks, the President lit the diyas, a central ritual of the celebration. The distinguished attendees included FBI Director Kash Patel and Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, alongside influential Indian-American entrepreneurs, underscoring the expanding role of the diaspora in bilateral relations. In parallel, US Congress members Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick presented a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing Diwali’s deep religious and historical significance and honoring the Indian-American community. Krishnamoorthi articulated his hope that the resolution would unite communities and promote positivity, while Fitzpatrick underscored Diwali’s universal message of hope and resilience. The resolution also touched upon the festival’s importance for Sikhs and Jains. The White House Diwali observance powerfully illustrated the cultural connections and enduring partnership between the United States and India.
