WASHINGTON, D.C.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his Diwali greetings and said he hopes both countries will continue working together to fight terrorism. His message comes at a time when the U.S. is growing closer to Pakistan, a country often accused of sheltering terrorists.
"Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings," Modi wrote online. "On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to light up the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms."
Trump had earlier lit a lamp during a special Diwali event at the White House and told reporters he had spoken to Modi. He repeated his claim that Modi promised to reduce India's oil imports from Russia and said he helped stop a conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, FBI official Kash Patel, intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, new U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and several Indian American business leaders attended the event.
Trump called Modi a "great friend" and said the two countries are working on "some great deals," especially in trade and regional security. "I just spoke to your prime minister today," Trump told reporters. "We had a great conversation. We talked about trade — he's very interested in that."
Trump repeated his claim that Modi agreed to cut Russian oil purchases and wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end. "He's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants that war to end," Trump said, adding that India had "cut it way back."
However, India rejected similar claims made by Trump earlier. In a separate statement about energy imports, the Indian government said its primary goal is to protect consumers' interests in a volatile energy market. It did not mention Trump or any phone call.
Trump has often presented himself as a global peacemaker. He said India cutting Russian oil imports would weaken Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. He also repeated his earlier claim that he stopped fighting between India and Pakistan, though India denied this. Indian officials said a ceasefire happened only after Pakistan asked for it.
At the White House Diwali event, Trump lit a traditional lamp and extended "warmest wishes" to Indians everywhere. "During Diwali, people remember ancient stories of enemies defeated and obstacles removed," he said. "The light of the diya reminds us to seek wisdom, work hard, and be thankful for our blessings."
