President Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House, congratulated PM Modi by phone; Prime Minister resigns

Washington, October 22 (IANS). US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House. On the occasion of Diwali, a special program was organized at the White House, which he hosted. President Trump congratulated Prime Minister Modi on Diwali by phone. PM Modi gave information about his conversation with President Trump on social media platform X and thanked him. PM Modi wrote: “President Trump, thank you for your phone call and warm wishes for Diwali. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to show a ray of hope to the world and remain united against terrorism in all its forms.” On the other hand, the event organized at the White House was attended by Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, the new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore, FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Prominent business leaders from the Indian community also attended the event. Trump lit a lamp in the Oval Office, calling it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness.” Along with this he extended “warm greetings to the people of India”. He further said, “It is the victory of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, people remember the old stories of defeating enemies, removing obstacles and freeing prisoners. The glow of the lamp flame reminds us to walk on the path of knowledge, work diligently and always be grateful for our many blessings.” The Indian ambassador thanked President Trump for opening the White House on the occasion of the Diwali festival. He said: “Mr. President, first of all, I express my deep gratitude for opening your home, the White House, the Oval Office for the Festival of Lights of Diwali. You demonstrate the power of diversity through this celebration. So it is indeed a great honor. On behalf of my Prime Minister and myself, I wish you and your loved ones, especially the more than the Indian diaspora, a very happy Indian diaspora. We wish that the Light of Diwali May your success and India’s strength continue to shine.” FBI Director Kash Patel, one of the most prominent Indian Americans serving in the Trump administration, praised Trump for celebrating Diwali at the White House, saying, “It’s an honor to be a first-generation Indian-American. Under your leadership, millions of Americans are living that dream, and they’re celebrating Diwali here in the Oval Office that you’re talking about… That’s good of you. An incredible honor.” Indian Americans around the world, Indians around the world are delighted that you are such a dynamic leader in sharing this diversity with the world.” While speaking to the media, Trump claimed to have spoken with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, saying: “I just spoke with Prime Minister Modi today. We had a very good conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly business. He’s very interested in that.” President Trump has again said that he is assured that India will not buy much oil from Russia. “We have very good relations, and he is not going to buy any more oil from Russia. He wants to see the war between Russia and Ukraine end,” he said. –IANS KK/AS