Washington, 22 October (H.S.): U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the festival of Diwali at the White House on Tuesday, using the occasion to praise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a great friend and highlight a recent conversation about trade and regional peace.

The event, attended by senior Indian-American officials and community leaders, underscored the growing cultural and political significance of the diaspora in the United States.During his remarks before lighting a ceremonial diya in the Oval Office, President Trump revealed he had spoken with Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day.

We had a great conversation. We talked about trade… He’s very interested in that, Trump said. He also alluded to discussions about regional stability, adding, Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan… And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing.

Reflecting on the symbolism of the Festival of Lights, Trump said the lighting of the diya represents the victory of light over darkness… knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. He added that the flame serves as a reminder to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings.

The celebration was attended by a number of high-profile officials from the Trump administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

The event followed the recent introduction of a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to formally recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar