After Diwali Phone Call, PM Modi's Message On "Hope", "Terrorism" For Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked President Donald Trump for extending Diwali greetings and hoped for joint efforts to fight terrorism. The remark assumes significance amid the US' growing proximity with Pakistan, a country known for exporting terror and providing a safe haven to terrorists.

"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," said PM Modi in an online post.

The early morning post dropped hours after Trump lit a lamp at a special Diwali event at the White House and told reporters that he has had a conversation with PM Modi. He went on to reiterate his claims that the prime minister has assured lowering Russian oil imports and that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict in May.

The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, besides FBI chief Kash Patel, intelligence head Tulsi Gabbard, new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and Indian American business leaders.

Trump praised PM Modi as a "great friend" with whom he claimed to have had a phone call on Tuesday. India and the US are working on "some great deals", he said, highlighting the ties in trade and regional peace between the two countries.

"I just spoke to your prime minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," he told reporters at the White House.

He reiterated his earlier claim that the prime minister had assured him India wouldn't buy much oil from Russia and that he, too, wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end.

"We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia and Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back," he emphasised.

India rejected a similar claim that Trump spoke to PM Modi. In a separate statement on energy imports that did not mention Trump or his claim, the government said that its consistent priority is to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario.

Trump's claims hint at his self-proclaimed campaign to stop wars worldwide. The oil money funds Russia's Ukraine campaign, and if India stops buying oil from Moscow, it will impact the Russian war machine, the president believes. 

He had earlier claimed to have stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan in May. India denied the claim and said the ceasefire was agreed to after Pakistani commanders pleaded with the Indian side to stop the offensive. He spoke about it again at the Diwali event. "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 said.

Trump On Diwali

Trump extended "warmest wishes" to the people of India as he lit a lamp in his Oval Office yesterday. He called it a "symbol of faith" in the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

"During Diwali, revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed. 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," he added.

Indian envoy Kwatra said that the president has showcased the strength of diversity by hosting the Diwali celebrations. FBI chief Patel said Indian Americans across the globe are thrilled to have "such a profound leader."