PM Modi’s Post-Diwali call to Trump stresses “Hope”, “Fight Against Terror”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for his Diwali greetings and called for joint efforts to fight terrorism. His message came as Washington deepens ties with Pakistan, a country India blames for harboring terrorists.
“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 early morning post.
Hours earlier, Trump lit a lamp during a special Diwali celebration at the White House. He told reporters that he had spoken to PM Modi and discussed trade and energy issues. Trump said Modi assured him that India had reduced oil imports from Russia. He also claimed credit for stopping an India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year.
The White House event drew senior officials and Indian American leaders. Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, FBI chief Kash Patel, intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and several business leaders attended the ceremony.
During the interaction, Trump praised Modi as a “great friend.” He said India and the US were working on “some great deals” and highlighted growing cooperation in trade and regional peace. “We had a great conversation,” Trump said. “We talked about trade, about the world of trade. He’s very interested in that.”
Trump repeated that India had cut Russian oil imports sharply. “He’s not going to buy much oil from Russia,” Trump said. “He wants the war to end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. They’re cutting back oil imports, and that’s a very good thing.”
India, however, dismissed a similar claim earlier this year. Without naming Trump, the government said India’s energy decisions always protect the interests of Indian consumers. Officials noted that the country sources crude based on market stability, not foreign pressure.
Trump’s comments again reflected his self-styled image as a global peacemaker. He believes cutting Russian oil revenues can weaken Moscow’s war campaign in Ukraine. His remarks also revisited his earlier claim that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict in May.
New Delhi denied that version. Officials said the ceasefire followed intense talks after Pakistani commanders sought relief from Indian strikes. Despite that, Trump repeated his story during the Diwali event. “We did talk about no wars with Pakistan,” he said. “That was a very, very good thing.”
At the ceremony, Trump extended “warmest wishes” to Indians worldwide. Lighting a lamp in his Oval Office, he called Diwali a “symbol of faith” and a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness. “The diya’s glow inspires us to seek wisdom, work with diligence, and give thanks for our blessings,” he said.
Ambassador Kwatra praised the event as a reflection of America’s diversity. Patel said Indian Americans were proud to see the president honor their heritage.
PM Modi’s message of “hope” and “unity against terror” echoed through the celebration, marking a rare moment of personal diplomacy during the festival of lights.
