Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know President Trump Lights Diya At White House Diwali Celebrations, Addresses US-India Relations P resident Donald Trump participat- ed in festivities at theWhite House on Tuesday, October 21, connect- ing the national recognition of the festival to broader US-India relations in his speech. He extended his warmest greetings to the people of India and Indian Americans on the occasion. During his remarks, President Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great friend,” while highlighting US-India ties in trade and regional peace. He noted, “Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing.” He added, “He’s a great person, and he’s becomea great friend of mine over the years.” Highlighting the symbolic importance of Diwali, President Trump said, “In a few moments, we’ll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness… It’s knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and cap- tives freed.” He further added that the diya’s flame reminds everyone “to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings.” Following his remarks, Trump lit the diyas to celebrate the festival at theWhite House. The event was attended by senior officials from the Trump Administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Am- bassador of India to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and Ambassador of the US to India Sergio Gor. Among the business leaders pres- ent at theWhite House Diwali were IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, South Asian Herald reported. Some of the guests attending the event also addressed the gathering when President Trump invited them to speak. South Asian Herald quoted FBI Direc- tor Patel saying, “It’s an honor to be a first generation Indian American whose parents lawfully immigrated to this country. Under your leadership, so many more millions of Americans are living that dream… Indian Americans around the world are thrilled that you are such a profound leader in sharing this diversity with the world.” The CEOs present lauded Trump’s policies, dwelt on public-private partner- ship which has encouraged innovation, and noted how their companies were cre- ating jobs and investing in the economy. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, as well as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also made brief remarks praising Trump. Ambassador Kwatra, onWednesday posted on X, “Deeply honoured to join President Donald J. Trump at theWhite House today to celebrate Diwali. Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister Naren- dra Modi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture. Warm Diwali greetings to all celebrating, espe- cially the vibrant 5-million-strong Indian diaspora in the U.S.” US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoor- thi, D-Illinois, and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives to recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali. According to a press release from Krishnamoorthi, the resolution honors Diwali’s cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to over three million Indian- Americans, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It reflects the growing recognition of the Indian diaspora’s contributions to the US. A Diwali celebration was also held on Capitol Hill where several Senators and Representatives attended and spoke, not only about the Festival of Lights but also on other issues troubling US-India rela- tions, such as the H-1B visa fees, pending trade deal, and the tariffs on India. From News Dispatches PHOTO:Reuters,via ANI President Trump lighting the diya during Diwali celebrations in the White House. Seen on left is India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. President Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House October 21, 2025, where he was joined by Indian American community leaders, business representatives, and those occupying positions in his administration. PHOTO:ScreenGrabviaThewhite HouseVideo US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick. Presidential Message On Diwali - TheWhite House OCTOBER 20, 2025 T oday, I send my best wishes to every American celebrat- ing Diwali—the “Festival of Lights.” For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness. It is also a time to bring families and friends together to cel- ebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal. As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil. To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace. PHOTO:X@CongressmanRaja,@RepBrianFitzvia ANI 7 SPECIAL REPORT October 31, 2025