London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the contributions of the British Indian community as 10 Downing Street lit up with diyas and floral decorations to mark the lead-up to Diwali, which falls on October 20.

While Starmer attended the Gaza peace summit in Egypt on Monday, Communities Secretary Steve Reed represented him at the annual festival of lights celebration, lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Prime Minister’s London residence.

The event began with devotional music by the Chinmaya Mission UK’s Swaranjali group, followed by prayers from ISKCON’s Visakha Dasi and Kirit Wadia of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. In his Diwali message, Starmer referenced his recent visit to India, noting, “Just days ago, I lit a diya in Mumbai, and earlier this evening, a diya was lit in Downing Street – a symbol of hope, unity, and promise.”

He lauded the British Indian community’s immense contributions, saying their “hard work, values, and generosity” have enriched the UK’s economy, culture, and national life. Citing Diwali’s message of light prevailing over darkness, he emphasised shared ideals of “hard work, decency, and service” as guiding lights for the future.

Representing Starmer, Steve Reed said this year’s Diwali prayers carried added meaning with the historic Gaza peace plan reached in Egypt, calling the festival’s themes of hope and unity “deeply resonant at this moment in the planet’s history.”

Seema Malhotra, Minister for Equalities and the Indo-Pacific, spoke about the shared British and Indian values of compassion and community symbolised by Diwali, highlighting Starmer’s recent India visit as a renewal of the countries’ close ties.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, who was part of the British delegation to India, described the trip as “generational significant,” calling India a “superpower in the making.”

At a separate Westminster Diwali celebration hosted near Downing Street in collaboration with the High Commission of India, the India APPG, the 1928 Institute, and India Global Forum, Starmer’s message was read by Lord Krish Raval.

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami reflected on the strong bilateral relationship, calling it “momentous,” with partnerships in business, education, and technology shaping the future. Lord Karan Bilimoria, Sandy Verma, and Minister Kanishka Narayan echoed similar sentiments, underscoring Diwali as a celebration of the “living bridge” that binds the UK and India through shared heritage and experience.

With inputs from PTI