Photo: Screenshot White House Feed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House, attended by a small group of about two dozen guests, including senior officials, diplomats, and business leaders from the Indian American community.
Seated at his desk in the Oval Office, Trump rose to light the ceremonial diya when invited to do so. Among the attendees were Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Vinay Kwatra, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Trump said the lamp “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness,” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India.” He added, “Diwali reminds us of the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed. The glow of the diya reminds us to seek wisdom, work diligently, and always give thanks for our many blessings.”
Kwatra thanked Trump for hosting the celebration, saying, “Mr. President, I express deep gratitude for opening the White House—your home—to mark Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by one-fifth of humanity. You are showcasing the strength of diversity through this celebration. On behalf of my Prime Minister and myself, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali. May the light of Diwali continue to shine on your success and on the strength of India.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also praised the President for recognizing Diwali at the White House. “As a first-generation Indian American, it’s an honor to celebrate this festival here in the Oval Office,” he said. “Under your leadership, millions more Americans are living the dream. Indian Americans around the world are thrilled that you are sharing this diversity with the world.”
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Trump said he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day. “We had a great conversation,” he noted. “We talked about trade—mostly trade—but also other things. He’s very interested in that. We’re working on some great deals between our countries.”
Trump added that Modi had assured him India was scaling back its oil imports from Russia. “We have a very good relationship,” he said. “He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see the war [in Ukraine] end, and they’ve cut their imports way back.”
Modi later confirmed the call on X, posting, “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.”
Trump also revisited his earlier claim about mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, saying, “We did talk a while ago about having no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved helped in those discussions. We have no war with Pakistan and India—that was a very good thing.” (IANS)
