WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct 21, 2025 – In a vibrant Oval Office ceremony marking the Hindu festival of Diwali, President Donald Trump lit traditional oil lamps Tuesday evening, extending warm wishes to India’s 1.4 billion people and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend” following a recent phone call focused on trade and regional stability. The event, attended by dozens of Indian-American leaders in colorful saris and kurtas, featured a floral rangoli centerpiece and brass diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness amid the ongoing government shutdown’s shadow.
Seated at the Resolute Desk flanked by American and Indian flags, Trump recounted his conversation with Modi earlier in the day. “We had a great conversation. We talked about trade, we talked about a lot of things,” Trump said in remarks captured by White House cameras. “He’s very interested in that… We did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan… That was a very, very good thing, but he’s great. He is a great person, and he has become a friend of mine over the years.”
The Diwali reception, held annually since 2003, underscores the growing influence of the 4.5 million-strong Indian-American community, a key voting bloc in battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania ahead of the midterms. Trump highlighted the community’s contributions to U.S. innovation, noting, “You people are incredible. You’re incredible in business, you’re incredible in everything you do.” Attendees included prominent figures like software executive Aneesh Chopra and physician Atul Gawande, who presented Trump with a symbolic gift of marigold garlands.
The event comes as Trump navigates tensions within his MAGA base over immigration policy. In the clip shared by the White House’s Rapid Response account—garnering over 100,000 views and 2,700 likes in hours.
Broader U.S.-India relations factored prominently. Trump revealed the call with Modi also touched on averting conflict with Pakistan, amid escalating border skirmishes in Kashmir that have claimed dozens of lives this month. “We have no war with Pakistan in India,” Trump stated, alluding to de-escalation efforts. The discussion on trade aligns with ongoing negotiations for a bilateral deal, stalled since 2020 but revived post-election, potentially unlocking $500 billion in annual exchanges.
Diwali, celebrated from October 20-24 this year, illuminates homes worldwide with fireworks and sweets, but in Washington, it served as a brief respite from partisan gridlock. As federal workers endure a fourth week without pay, the festive mood contrasted sharply with shutdown woes. Yet, for Indian-Americans—whose median household income tops $126,000—the event reinforced Trump’s pivot toward Asia-Pacific alliances.
With midterms looming and foreign policy under scrutiny, Trump’s Diwali diplomacy may bolster his image among moderates but risks alienating the nativist core that propelled his return to power. Whether the lamps’ glow can bridge these divides—or ignite further debate—remains the festival’s enduring question.
