NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended Diwali greetings during a phone call on Wednesday.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings,” Modi said in a post on X.
“On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and remain united against terrorism in all its forms,” he added.
Speaking to reporters later, President Trump said he “had a great conversation” with his “great friend” Prime Minister Modi and wished the people of India a happy Diwali.
“I just spoke to your prime minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade—he’s very interested in that,” Trump said, noting that they also discussed regional peace. “We talked 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.”
Trump further said that India’s decision to halt oil imports from Russia would contribute to peace efforts in Ukraine, claiming that Moscow relies on oil revenue to sustain its war machinery. “We talked about many things, but mostly the world of trade,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.
Recently, Trump has criticized India over its continued oil purchases from Russia, announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US. The move effectively doubles the tariff rate to 50%, aimed at discouraging New Delhi’s crude imports from Moscow as Washington seeks to pressure Russia into peace negotiations in Ukraine.
