India remains a vital partner in advancing stability across Indo-Pacfic: US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Senator Jeanne Shaheen met Indian envoy to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and wrote on X, "I was glad to meet again with India’s Ambassador to the U.S. @AmbVMKwatra. India remains a vital partner in advancing stability across the Indo-Pacific, economic growth and technological innovation in both our countries and shared democratic values."

Kwatra recently joined the Diwali event hosted by US President Donald Trump in the White House.

After attending the event, Kwatra said: "Deeply honoured to join President Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS at the White House today to celebrate Diwali. Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister @narendramodi a Happy Diwali and thanked him for this beautiful gesture."

"Warm Diwali greetings to all celebrating, especially the vibrant 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the U.S," he said.

Indian PM Narendra Modi thanked Donald Trump for his 'Diwali' greetings and said he hoped to see the two great democracies continue to 'illuminate' the world with hope.

In his X post, the Indian PM wrote: "Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms."

The two leaders exchanged greetings at a time when the relationship between India and the US had touched a low point over the Donald Trump-led administration's decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on India.

Trump lit the traditional brass lamp in the White House to celebrate Diwali.

In his message, the President said: "For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness."

"It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal.  As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil," he said.

Before the ceremony, Trump addressed reporters when he said he had a 'great conversation' with Narendra Modi.

He said: "Let me also extend our warmest wishes to the people of India."

Trump said: "I just spoke to your Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that."