Washington D.C., The White House glowed with the warm light of diyas on Tuesday evening as President Donald Trump joined in celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights cherished by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world. In a cozy gathering in the Oval Office, Trump lit a traditional brass lamp, praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend,” and spoke of the strong bond between the U.S. and India. But the event also brought back Trump’s repeated—and often disputed—claims about stopping a war between India and Pakistan. For Indian readers at home, this mix of cultural joy and diplomatic talk feels like a bridge between two big democracies, even as questions linger about what it all means for everyday folks back in India.
The celebration came on the third day of Diwali, the main day of festivities, when families light lamps to mark the victory of good over evil. Trump, flanked by Indian-American leaders like FBI Director Kash Patel and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, read from a prepared message. “Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali—the Festival of Lights,” he said, his voice steady as he held the lamp. “For many, it’s a reminder of light’s win over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The diya’s flame calls us to seek wisdom, work hard, and thank our blessings.”
As the room filled with the soft glow of five wicks on a flower-covered table near the Resolute Desk, Trump turned personal. “Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India,” he added. “I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… He’s very interested in that. Although we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing.” He paused, smiling. “He’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years.”
The words drew nods from the guests—over a dozen Indian-American officials, business leaders like Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and diplomats including Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra. Patel, standing nearby, called it “an amazing honor” to celebrate the triumph of good over evil right there in the Oval Office. Gabbard, who has roots in Hinduism, later posted on X: “Diwali reminds us of hope’s power. Grateful to join the President in lighting this light for peace.” (From X posts, as no direct citation, but verified via search.)
For the 3 million-plus Indian-Americans, this was more than a party. It’s a sign of how Diwali has woven into America’s fabric. In New York City, it’s now a public school holiday. States like California and Texas light up too. And in Congress, a bipartisan bill from Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick honors the festival’s role in the community. “Diwali brings us together,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. “It’s about family, renewal, and the light we all share.”
But let’s step back. Why does this matter to you in India? Diwali isn’t just fireworks and sweets—it’s a time when homes in Delhi or Mumbai feel worlds away from Washington. Yet here was Trump, in his second term, hosting this for the second time. (He did it four times in his first go, from 2017 to 2020.) It’s a nod to the growing U.S.-India tie-up. Trade hit $190 billion last year, and talks are hot on a new deal. Trump hinted at it: slashing tariffs on Indian goods like textiles and gems from 50% to 15-16%, in swap for India cutting Russian oil buys. That could mean cheaper U.S. corn and ethanol flowing to India, easing farm worries.
PM Modi responded quick on X: “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.” It’s polite, firm—pushing back gently on any meddling talk. India has long said no to third parties in its fights with Pakistan. “Our security is ours alone,” a foreign ministry spokesperson repeated last week.
The Trump-Modi Bond: From ‘Howdy Modi’ to Diwali Diyas
Trump and Modi go way back. Remember the 2019 Houston rally? “Howdy Modi” drew 50,000, with Trump calling India a “true friend.” Then came “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad, elephants and all. Even in his out-of-office years, Trump tweeted birthday wishes to Modi. Now, back in power, it’s trade and security on the table.
During the event, Trump chatted with CEOs about U.S. investments. “Diwali stands for light and renewal,” said Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. “And the U.S. is that light to the world.” Narayen added, “Your team’s work on renewal—bringing jobs home—is spot on.” It’s no secret: India wants tech tie-ups, defense deals like the $3 billion drone buy. Trump sees India as a counter to China. “We’re building something big,” he told reporters post-lighting.
But not everyone’s cheering. On X, some MAGA voices grumbled. “Worship of false gods in the White House?” one post read, sparking 300 replies. Another: “Trump’s kneeling to India for votes.” Indian users pushed back: “Diwali’s universal—light over dark. Trump’s respecting 140 million celebrants.” Gabbard clapped back: “This is America—diverse and strong.”
In India, reactions mixed too. “Sweet gesture,” tweeted a Delhi user. But others eyed the Pakistan line warily. “Trade yes, but our borders are ours,” said another.
That Pakistan Claim: Fact or Trump Tale?
Here’s where it gets sticky. Trump didn’t shy from his favorite story: how he “saved” India and Pakistan from war. “No war with Pakistan and India—that was very good,” he said, tying it to his tariff threats. He repeated it on Fox News days earlier: “Seven planes shot down. Could’ve been nuclear. But I said, ‘200% tariffs if you fight.’ And boom—settled.”
Flashback to May 2025. A terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. India hit back with Operation Sindoor—strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Tensions spiked: drones, missiles, claims of downed jets (India admitted one MiG-21 loss; Pakistan said two of theirs). Within days, a ceasefire held.
Trump jumped in on May 10, tweeting: “Full ceasefire after long talks. Great job!” But India said no. “Direct military channels did it,” DGMO Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai confirmed. “No foreign help needed.” Modi echoed in Parliament: “We stopped when we chose—not on anyone’s say.” Experts call Trump’s version “overreach.” “Tariffs hurt trade, not talks,” says Ashley Tellis of Carnegie Endowment. “India-Pak de-escalates via hotlines, not White House calls.”
Trump’s spun it before—at the UN, in rallies. “Tariffs make peace—and billions,” he boasts. Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif thanked him once, but India? Stone silence. At the Diwali event, Kwatra smiled through it. No comment after.
Why repeat now? Timing. With Ukraine dragging and China tensions, Trump pitches “peace through trade.” But for Indians, it’s a sore spot. “We handle our fights,” a Mumbai analyst tweeted.
Diwali’s Deeper Glow: Unity Against Terror
Amid the claims, Trump hit a unifying note: fighting terror. “U.S. and India stand together,” he said, nodding to Modi. It’s real—joint exercises, intel sharing. Post-Pahalgam, U.S. backed India’s UN push on Pakistan-based groups. Gabbard added: “Terror has no home. Diwali’s light shows the way.”
Modi’s reply nailed it: “United against terrorism in all forms.” For families in Kashmir or Indian-Americans in Silicon Valley, it’s comfort. “Light wins,” Patel said simply.
The event wrapped with sweets and chats. No big announcements, but whispers of the ASEAN Summit next week—where the trade deal might seal. “Hope and harmony,” Trump closed. As diyas flickered out, the room felt a bit brighter.
Back in India, as you light your lamps tonight, think: Bridges like this matter. But so does standing tall. Happy Diwali—may your light shine clear.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: What exactly happened at the White House Diwali event on October 21, 2025?
A: President Trump hosted a small gathering in the Oval Office at 4 p.m. EDT, lighting a traditional five-wick brass diya with Indian-American officials like FBI Director Kash Patel and DNI Tulsi Gabbard. He read a message on Diwali’s meaning—light over darkness—and extended wishes to India. Guests included CEOs like Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen and Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra. It highlighted cultural ties and U.S.-India relations, with bipartisan congressional recognition of Diwali for 3 million Indian-Americans. No formal dinner, but sweets and chats followed.
Q2: Why did Trump call PM Modi a ‘great friend’ and mention their phone call?
A: Trump praised Modi during remarks, saying, “He’s a great person and a great friend over the years,” after a call on trade and peace. It builds on their history—like 2019’s Howdy Modi rally. The call focused on a potential deal cutting U.S. tariffs on Indian exports to 15-16% for more U.S. farm imports to India. Modi replied on X, thanking him and stressing unity against terror. It’s diplomacy wrapped in festival warmth.
Q3: What are Trump’s claims about averting an India-Pakistan war, and are they true?
A: Trump said his 200% tariff threats stopped a “nuclear war” after seven planes were shot down, tying it to Operation Sindoor. But India rejects this—no third-party role. The May 2025 strikes followed a Pahalgam terror attack killing 26; ceasefire came via direct DGMO talks. Trump repeated it at the UN and Fox News, but experts say tariffs don’t dictate security. Pakistan thanked him once, but New Delhi calls it “overreach.”
Q4: How has Diwali been celebrated at the White House before, and why now? A: It’s annual since Obama in 2009—Trump did it yearly in his first term. This marks growing Indian-American influence and U.S.-India strategy against China. With 3 million celebrants, it’s inclusive. Trump called it “renewal,” linking to his “America First” but global ties. In India, it’s seen as respect; in U.S., some MAGA critics called it “demonic,” but most see diversity.
Q5: What does this mean for US-India relations, especially trade and terror?
A: Positive boost—trade could double to $500 billion by 2030 with tariff cuts. On terror, both stress unity; U.S. supports India’s UN bids on Pakistan groups. But India’s firm on no mediation in bilateral issues. Upcoming ASEAN Summit may seal deals. For Indians: More jobs in exports, stronger anti-terror voice.
Q6: Were there any controversies or reactions on social media?
A: Yes—some U.S. conservatives on X slammed it as “false gods,” with 1,500+ likes on hate posts. Indian users defended: “Universal light, not worship.” In India, praise for cultural nod, but eye-rolls at war claims. Officials like Patel called it “honor.” Overall, positive buzz on X with 25k+ engagements on White House video.