New Delhi: US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend Diwali greetings, with Modi expressing hope that India and the US would continue to “illuminate the world with hope” and stay united against terrorism.
The call came shortly after Trump claimed that India would stop purchasing Russian crude oil — a statement New Delhi denied. It marked the third known conversation between the two leaders since mid-September, amid ongoing trade tensions following Washington’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
Trump also hosted a Diwali celebration in Washington attended by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Indian-American business leaders, where he again praised Modi as a “great leader and friend.”
India has termed the recent US trade actions as “unfair and unjustified,” even as both sides continue diplomatic engagements to ease tensions.
