New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for his Diwali wishes and expressed hope for continued unity against all forms of terrorism. Speaking to reporters during a Diwali party at the White House, Trump said he spoke with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday and that the two sides are “working on some excellent agreements between our countries.” He said, “I spoke with your Prime Minister just today.
We had a very good conversation. We talked about trade. We discussed a number of issues, especially the business world. He is very interested in it.” Prime Minister Modi also spoke with Trump and said, “President Trump, thank you for your phone call and warm Diwali wishes.
On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to be a beacon of hope to the world and remain united against all forms of terrorism.” Trump hosted a special Diwali event at the White House. Here, he described Prime Minister Modi as “a great man” and said he loved the “people of India.” The event 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. Trump lit a lamp in the Oval Office, calling it “a symbol of faith in the triumph of light over darkness” and extended his “heartfelt greetings to the people of India.”
He had previously claimed to have resolved the dispute between India and Pakistan in May. India refuted this claim, saying that a ceasefire agreement was reached only after the Pakistani army requested the Indian side to cease its aggression. However, Trump reiterated this during the Diwali celebrations.
He said, “We talked about this some time ago that there should be no war with Pakistan. Speaking of trade, I was able to talk about it. And we are not at war with Pakistan or India. That’s a very good thing.”
