As people across India and the Indian community across the globe celebrated Diwali, several world leaders extended their wishes on the occasion, highlighting the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that the festival of lights represents.
Sending Diwali greetings, former president Donald Trump, who is the Republican presidential candidate, on Thursday vowed to strengthen ties with India and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his good friend. He also condemned the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh and alleged that his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris and her boss President Joe Biden have ignored Hindus across the world and in America.
I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.
It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2024
“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. This is the first time that Trump has spoken on the issue of Bangladesh, after the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5.
“It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” he said.
“We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said.
“Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before and we will Make America Great Again. Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil,” said the former president, who is in a close fight with Harris for the November 5 presidential elections.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also extended Diwali greetings to his Indian counterpart and wished Indians on the occasion of Diwali. He said he hopes India-Israel ties continue to strengthen. “I wish my dear friend Prime Minister of India @narendramodi and all the people of India a happy Diwali! The friendship between our two nations is deep and shall continue to flourish,” the Israeli PM said.
I wish my dear friend Prime Minister of India @narendramodi and all the people of India a happy #Diwali!
The friendship between our two nations is deep and shall continue to flourish.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 31, 2024
Extending his wishes on Diwali in a post in Hindi, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said he hoped that the festival brings happiness and warmth to everyone. “Warm wishes to all those celebrating Deepawali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring happiness and peace to you and your loved ones and keep them safe forever. May the light in your hearts guide you on the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he said.
यूएई और विश्व भर में दीपावली मना रहे सभी लोगों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। रोशनी का ये पावन त्योहार आपके और आपके प्रियजनों के जीवन में ख़ुशियाँ और शांति लाए और उन्हें हमेशा सलामत रखें। आपके हृदय का उजाला आपको सामंजस्य, करुणा और एकता की राह पर मार्गदर्शित करे। शुभ दीपावली!”
ईश्वर आपको…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 31, 2024
“May God bring happiness and peace to you and your loved ones, and keep them safe always. May the light of your heart guide you on the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he added.
In his wishes, Australian PM Anthony Albanese called Diwali a festival of joy, hope and togetherness. “It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to all who are observing Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture – one embraced by Australia’s diverse and vibrant society,” he said in a statement posted on X.
Wishing a happy Festival of Lights to all those celebrating over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/7cAphPD2Cp
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 30, 2024
“With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It’s a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition,” Albanese noted.
“As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali,” he added.
Norwegian, Russian and Japanese Ambassadors to India also extended their wishes on the occasion. In her greetings, Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener said, “From all of us @norwayinindia #HappyDiwali2024 Best wishes of Diwali to everyone,” she said while posting a video of Diwali celebrations.
Russian envoy Denis Alipov, in a post on X, wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings to my Indian friends and wish them happiness and prosperity from the bottom of my heart. Happy Diwali.”
Japanese Ambassador Ono Keiichi, in his greetings said, “Happy Deepawali to you, May the divine light lead us to health, happiness and prosperity.”
