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Donald Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, calls Modi a friend

| @indiablooms | Nov 14, 2018, at 11:04 am

Washington, Nov 14 (IBNS): US President Donald Trump has referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" while celebrating Hindu festival Diwali at the White House on Tuesday.

Trump said he is "grateful" for his friendship with Modi. He said: "The United States has deep ties with the nation of India and I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi..."

"I have great respect for Prime Minister Modi..I have tremendous respect," the President said after lighting the lamps.

Tweeting some of the pictures where the President could be seen lighting lamps, Trump said: "Today, we gathered for Diwali, a holiday observed by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains throughout the United States & around the world. Hundreds of millions of people have gathered with family & friends to light the Diya and to mark the beginning of a New Year."

"It was my great honor to host a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, in the Roosevelt Room at the @WhiteHouse this afternoon. Very, very special people!"

Referring to India as a "good negotiator", Trump said the trade talks between the two countries are underway.

He said: "....they (India) are very good traders, they are very good negotiators...the best, so we are working and its moving along."

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