Trump Celebrates Diwali At White House, Praises PM Modi As “A Great Friend”
US President Highlights Strength of Indo-American Relations During Festive Ceremony
By Orlin Milinov
Washington:
US President Donald Trump marked the festival of Diwali with a special ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, extending his greetings to Indians and the Indian-American community while hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great person” and a “great friend.”
Addressing attendees, Trump emphasized the growing partnership between the United States and India, noting their shared interests in trade, security, and regional stability.
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India,” Trump said. “I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. We had a great conversation about trade and peace. He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years.”
The US President also referred to efforts to maintain peace between India and Pakistan, describing it as a “very good thing” and an example of diplomatic progress achieved through dialogue.
During the ceremony, Trump lit traditional diyas — symbolic oil lamps — as part of the Diwali ritual, underscoring the festival’s deeper message. “In a few moments, we’ll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” he said. “It reminds us to seek wisdom, work with diligence, and be grateful for our many blessings.”
Senior US officials and members of the Indian diplomatic community attended the event, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Prominent Indian-American business leaders also participated, reflecting the community’s growing influence in shaping US-India relations.
The White House celebration highlights the festival’s expanding cultural significance in the United States and the strengthening bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.
Earlier this week, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize Diwali’s religious and historical importance. The resolution honors the festival’s meaning for more than three million Indian-Americans, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, while acknowledging their contributions to American society.
Diwali, a five-day festival, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festivities include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), the main day of Diwali when Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters.
