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India US Relations: Trump’s Diwali call sparks a diplomatic spark! PM Modi thanks him, hints at trade moves and peace talks. What did the two leaders really discuss, and how could it shape India-US ties? Read the article for full details.
Trump’s Diwali call sparks a diplomatic spark
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his phone call and warm Diwali wishes, emphasizing hopes for closer cooperation between India and the United States.
In a post on X, Modi said, “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.”
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Trump had earlier extended Diwali greetings to both Indians and Americans, highlighting the festival’s significance and the symbolism of lighting diyas, or earthen lamps, during the celebrations.
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.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2025
On Tuesday, President Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House, where he lit a lamp and addressed the meaning of the festival.
He 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, revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives free. The glow of the Diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings.”
Earlier, Trump also released greetings on the White House website for Americans celebrating Diwali, calling it a “timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness.” He added that the festival was an occasion to bring families and communities together, draw strength from hope, and embrace a spirit of renewal.
Trump revealed that he spoke to PM Modi about trade during their conversation, saying, “He’s very interested in that.” He also mentioned discussions on maintaining peace with Pakistan, adding, “Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan… we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing.”
The US President, who has often claimed that trade has helped prevent conflict between India and Pakistan, repeated this assertion during his remarks. However, India has consistently maintained that no third-party intervention was involved in reaching a ceasefire with Pakistan.
Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad had escalated in May following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. India targeted terror infrastructure linked to the attack.
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Following four days of heightened hostilities, a ceasefire understanding was reached. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified in Parliament and through public statements that it was Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations who initiated contact with India to halt hostilities, underscoring that India did not rely on third-party mediation to resolve the conflict.
During his conversation with reporters, Trump praised PM Modi, calling him “a great person, and he's become a great friend of mine over the years.” The exchange of Diwali greetings and discussions on trade and regional stability reflect continued diplomatic engagement and mutual respect between the two nations, even as India maintains an independent stance on security and peace matters in South Asia.
