Trade Talks, Modi Praise, and Pakistan Reference: What Trump Said at Diwali Event

Trump's Diwali celebrations and talks with Modi: During a special Diwali program organized at the White House, US President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that he spoke to him on the phone on Tuesday. This event took place on October 21, 2025, in which Trump lit traditional lamps and wished the people of India a happy Diwali. Prominent personalities like Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, new US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore, FBI Director Kash Patel,, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard attended the event. Prominent business leaders from the Indian community were also present.

Key Points:

Claim of conversation with Modi: Trump said, "I just spoke to your prime minister today. We had a very good conversation. We talked about trade, and many other topics were also discussed. He stressed that the two countries are working on "some great deals," primarily on trade issues. Trump described Modi as a "great person," "great leader," and "my good friend." He said he "loves" the people of India "deeply."

Comment on oil purchases from Russia: Trump reiterated that Modi has assured him that India will now "not buy more oil" from Russia. He said, "We have very good relations. India is not going to buy much oil from Russia." Trump called it helpful in ending the Ukraine war, because Russia funds the war through oil sales. However, India has already clarified that its import policies are based on "consumer interests," and national interest will remain paramount. Recently (early October 2025), Trump had made a similar claim, but India rejected it.

Claim to have stopped the India-Pakistan conflict: Trump again said that due to his intervention "nuclear war" between India and Pakistan was averted. He said that he called the leaders of both the countries and explained to them and threatened to stop the trade deals, which ended the conflict. “The two nuclear powers were confronting each other, but I called and said—trade deal canceled if there is war.” This claim is in the context of the May 2025 conflict, when Trump had announced a ceasefire. However, India has repeatedly clarified that third-party interference in the dispute is unacceptable and the ceasefire was bilateral.

Importance of the program:

Trump described Diwali as a symbol of "the victory of light over darkness, the victory of ignorance over knowledge." “Diwali reminds us that enemies are defeated, obstacles are removed,” he said. It underlines the contribution of the Indian-American community in America. Its discussion is also in full swing on X (formerly Twitter), where users are appreciating Trump's gesture, but some are questioning the India-Pakistan claim.

This event signals strengthening US-India relations, especially in terms of trade and regional peace. However, some of Trump's claims remain controversial, as India did not admit any role in interference in them.