Washington DC: In a striking display of cultural diplomacy amid ongoing trade strains, former US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House, lighting diyas and extending warm wishes to India while calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “great friend.”
The celebration, rich with symbolic warmth, came even as Trump continued to press New Delhi over its purchase of Russian oil and high tariffs on American goods. Standing beside a row of glowing lamps, Trump lauded India’s traditions and praised Modi’s leadership and personal rapport.
Trump celebrated Diwali in the White House 👇👇#Diwali2025 pic.twitter.com/ZyPXOQX97i
— PallaviCT (@pallavict) October 22, 2025
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India,” Trump said. “I spoke to Prime Minister Modi today—we had a great conversation about trade. He’s a great person and a great friend. We also spoke about keeping peace with Pakistan, which is a very good thing.”
Spoke to PM Modi, “had a great conversation… he’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years”, says US President Donald Trump at Diwali celebrations at the White House pic.twitter.com/iF2OQZkWfs
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 21, 2025
Modi Responds with Warm Gratitude to Trump
Soon after the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Trump’s greetings in a post on X, thanking him for the gesture and reaffirming shared democratic values.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. May our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and unity against terrorism,” Modi wrote.
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.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2025
The White House celebration underscored the enduring cultural and diplomatic bridge between the world’s two largest democracies—even as trade disagreements simmer beneath the glow of festive diyas.
