President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House, revealing that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to curb oil imports from Russia. Trump shared with reporters that his recent conversation with PM Modi covered significant trade discussions and India’s commitment to reducing its Russian crude purchases. He also noted PM Modi’s shared aspiration for peace in Ukraine, expressing a mutual desire to end the protracted conflict. Describing their rapport, Trump called Modi a ‘great person’ and a ‘great friend.’ The President also referred back to his earlier assertion that he had facilitated a de-escalation between India and Pakistan, a statement that New Delhi has previously refuted. The Diwali ceremony included Trump lighting a diya, explaining its symbolism: a beacon of hope representing the victory of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and good over evil. He elaborated on the festival’s themes of overcoming challenges and achieving freedom.
