NEW DELHI: (Oct 22) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended Diwali greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone call, with both leaders reaffirming the shared values of democracy and the need to stand united against terrorism.
The phone conversation, initiated by Trump, comes just days after he claimed that Modi had assured him India would halt purchases of Russian crude oil — a statement New Delhi has neither confirmed nor denied, reiterating instead that its energy imports are guided by national interest.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. 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,” Modi posted on X.
The exchange underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington amid global attention on India’s energy policy and its balancing act between traditional partners like Russia and the US.
Trump’s outreach follows his public praise for India’s role in maintaining “stability in the Indo-Pacific” during his recent address at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit.