Diwali at the White House: Donald Trump praises Modi and the Indian community
Washington: US President Donald Trump hosted a special Diwali celebration at the White House, describing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a great person” and expressing his affection for “the people of India”.
The event was attended by Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, newly appointed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Prominent Indian-origin business leaders were also part of the gathering.
Lighting the traditional diya in the Oval Office, Trump called it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India”.
“It's knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed and captives freed. The glow of the diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings,” he said.
Ambassador Kwatra thanked Trump for opening the White House to celebrate Diwali.
“Mr. President, let me start first of all by expressing a deep sense of gratitude for opening up White House, Oval Office, your home to mark Diwali's festival of lights, which is celebrated by one-fifth of humanity....You are showcasing the strength of diversity through this celebration. So it's truly a great honour. On behalf of my Prime Minister and my own behalf, wish you and your loved one, very, very happy Diwali greetings, particularly to over 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US and I close by making a wish, which is what we do for Diwali. We wish that the light of Diwali continues to shine on your success and on the strength of India.”
FBI Director Kash Patel, one of the most senior Indian Americans in the Trump administration, praised the President for embracing the festival.
“It's an honour to be a first-generation Indian-American... Under your leadership, so many more millions of Americans are living that dream, and to celebrate here in the Oval Office on Diwali, which you said...is a triumph of good over evil. It's just an incredible honour. It's incredibly humbling. Indian Americans around the world, Indians around the world are thrilled that you are such a profound leader in sharing this diversity with the world,” Patel said.
Speaking to reporters, Trump mentioned that he had spoken to Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day, adding that the two leaders were “working on some great deals between our countries”.
“I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," he said. Trump also reiterated that he had been assured that India is "not going to buy much oil from Russia”.
“We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back,” he added.
While India began importing Russian oil in recent years, China remains Moscow’s largest energy buyer.
In August, the Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over its Russian oil purchases, while taking no such action against China.
Asked whether he planned to introduce further tariffs on China for its Russian energy imports, Trump said Beijing could face tariffs of up to 155 per cent from November 1 in retaliation for export controls on rare earth materials.
“As of November 1, China will have about 155 per cent tariffs. I don't think it's sustainable for them. So, I want to be nice to China, but China has been very rough with us,” Trump remarked.
IANS