PM Modi Thanks Trump for Diwali Wishes, Emphasizes United Stand Against Terrorism

Washington:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his Diwali greetings via phone call and voiced hope for continued joint efforts against terrorism. This statement gains significance considering the US's growing relationship with Pakistan, a nation known for harboring terrorists and exporting terrorism.

"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," PM Modi wrote in an online post.

The early morning message was shared hours after Trump lit a ceremonial lamp at a special White House Diwali celebration. During the event, Trump informed reporters about his conversation with PM Modi, reiterating claims that the Prime Minister had committed to reducing Russian oil imports and that he had intervened to prevent an India-Pakistan conflict in May.

Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra attended the celebration, alongside FBI chief Kash Patel, intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and prominent Indian American business leaders.

Trump described PM Modi as a "great friend" with whom he allegedly spoke on Tuesday. He emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between the US and India, mentioning they were working on "some great deals" particularly in trade and regional peace.

"I just spoke to your prime minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The former president reiterated his claim that PM Modi assured him India would limit oil purchases from Russia and shared the desire to see the Russia-Ukraine conflict resolved.

"We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back," Trump emphasized.

India has rejected Trump's claim about the conversation with PM Modi. In a separate statement regarding energy imports that did not specifically mention Trump, the Indian government affirmed that its consistent priority remains safeguarding Indian consumers' interests in a volatile energy market.

Trump's assertions align with his self-proclaimed mission to end global conflicts. He believes that oil revenue funds Russia's campaign in Ukraine, and if India reduces oil purchases from Moscow, it would impact Russia's war capabilities.

Trump had previously claimed to have intervened in an India-Pakistan conflict in May - a claim India denied, stating that the ceasefire resulted from Pakistani commanders requesting the Indian side to halt offensive operations. During the Diwali event, Trump again referenced this: "We did talk a little while ago about let's have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing," he said.

Trump On Diwali

While lighting a lamp in the Oval Office, Trump extended his "warmest wishes" to the people of India for Diwali. He described the lamp as a "symbol of faith" representing light's triumph over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

"During Diwali, revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed. The glow of the diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings," he added.

Indian Ambassador Kwatra acknowledged that the President's Diwali celebration demonstrated the strength of diversity. FBI chief Patel remarked that Indian Americans worldwide are delighted to have "such a profound leader."