Washington/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held their third phone conversation in as many months on Wednesday, exchanging Diwali greetings and discussing key global issues including trade relations, oil imports from Russia, and the war in Ukraine. The cordial exchange underscored the growing strategic and diplomatic synergy between the two nations.
During the conversation, President Trump reiterated that India had assured the US it would limit oil purchases from Russia. He also emphasized his hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi, in turn, thanked Trump for his warm Diwali wishes and expressed optimism about the deepening friendship between the world’s two largest democracies.
“I appreciate your phone call and your kind Diwali greetings, President Trump. 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,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging @realDonaldTrump and @POTUS.
Trump Celebrates Diwali at the White House
Just hours before Modi’s post, President Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House Oval Office alongside several influential Indian-Americans. The celebration reflected the growing recognition of the Indian diaspora’s contribution to US society and politics.
Trump told reporters, “Your Prime Minister and I just spoke today. We had an excellent discussion. We discussed trade and a wide range of topics, but primarily trade. He is very interested in that.”
He added, “He (Modi) won’t purchase a lot of oil from Russia, and we have a great connection. He wants to see the war end — as much as we do — between Russia and Ukraine. They’ve already reduced oil imports significantly and are continuing to cut them back.”
Key Highlights from the Modi-Trump Call
| Discussion Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Exchange of Diwali greetings and discussion on global affairs |
| Focus Areas | Trade, Oil imports from Russia, and the Russia-Ukraine war |
| Assurance from India | India will limit oil purchases from Russia |
| Next Likely Meeting | ASEAN and East Asia Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur (Oct 26–28) |
High-Profile Attendees at the White House Diwali Celebration
The Diwali event at the White House brought together several prominent Indian-American leaders and diplomats. Attendees included Vinay Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the US; Kash Patel, FBI Chief; Tulsi Gabbard, Intelligence Chief; Sergio Gor, the new US Ambassador to India; and several business leaders of Indian origin.
Trump lauded Modi as a “great friend” and highlighted the two nations’ shared goals of fostering regional stability and expanding bilateral trade. “We discussed trade in detail,” Trump said, adding that he and Modi had also briefly spoken about maintaining peace in South Asia. “We are not at war with India or Pakistan, and that’s really beneficial,” he noted.
Trump on Diwali: ‘Victory of Light Over Darkness’
Emphasizing the spiritual essence of Diwali, President Trump said, “We will light the diya as a symbol of faith in the triumph of light over darkness — virtue over evil and knowledge over ignorance. People celebrate Diwali by recalling stories of enemies defeated, barriers lifted, and freedom reclaimed.”
Trump’s remarks resonated with the symbolic significance of the festival, drawing applause from the attendees, many of whom represented key sectors of the Indian-American community.
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagements
The phone call between Modi and Trump follows two earlier conversations held on September 16 and October 9, with both leaders frequently engaging on matters of trade, defense, and global security. Their continued communication reflects a robust bilateral partnership aimed at strengthening Indo-US ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The two leaders are also scheduled to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26–28, where they may meet on the sidelines to discuss further trade and strategic collaborations.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s acknowledgment of President Trump’s Diwali greetings highlights the enduring warmth between New Delhi and Washington. As both nations navigate complex global challenges—from trade negotiations to energy security and the war in Ukraine—the continued dialogue between Modi and Trump underscores a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
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