Global Leaders Unite in Diwali Wishes: From Dubai's Ruler to Australia's PM Celebrate Festival of Lights

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Australian PM Anthony Albanese

New Delhi:

As the radiant glow of Diwali illuminates homes and streets across India, global leaders and diplomatic representatives have extended their heartfelt wishes to celebrate this significant festival being observed by Indians worldwide with enthusiasm and splendor.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized Diwali's universal significance of positivity and renewal in his message: "As you gather to celebrate the great festival of lights, may this special time uplift you with hope for a bright future. May it be an absolutely wonderful celebration."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), shared warm greetings to the Indian community: "Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali."

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong posted a video message on X, stating: "Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead."

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended wishes to "Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas," adding, "Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let's keep building a Britain where everyone."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered greetings: "On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings to our Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world. As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity. The spirit of Diwali that embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality. Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress."

Sri Lanka's President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, wrote on X: "On this blessed Deepavali, my warmest wishes to all Hindus in Sri Lanka and abroad. As lamps are lit in every home, we pray that this festival's light dispels the darkness in our hearts and illuminates our collective path. This celebration of good over evil mirrors our government's resolve to defeat the threats to our nation's progress, from drug abuse to extremism. We are committed to building a safe, just and thriving nation where every individual's freedom and dignity are preserved."

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shared: "Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Diwali filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. May the light of this festival guide us towards hope, harmony, and new beginnings."

The United Nations also extended Diwali greetings in an X post: "During Diwali -the festival of lights celebrated in India and by followers of many faiths around the world- clay lamps are symbolically lit. We wish a happy and safe Diwali to all those celebrating."

The Iranian embassy in India stated: "We extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to the people and Government of India on the joyous occasion of Diwali. May this festival of lights bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the people of India and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two nations."

Naor Gilon, former ambassador of Israel to India, shared on X: "Happy Diwali. Wishing my Indian 'extended family' a festival of lights glowing with love and laughter. May the divine light of Diwali fill your life with peace, prosperity, and endless joy."