New Delhi: World leaders extended their greetings to the Hindu community on one of its biggest festivals on Monday. US president Donald Trump, British prime minister Keir Starmer and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who extended warm wishes on Diwali.
“Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali-the ‘Festival of Lights’. 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,” Trump said in a statement shared by the White House.
“As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil,” he added.
Starmer extended greetings to the Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across Britain.
“Earlier this month I lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion, joy, and renewed bonds. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let’s keep building a Britain where everyone can look ahead with hope,” he posted on X.
Netanyahu sent wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on Diwali.
“Wishing my friend Narendra Modi and the people of India a very Happy Diwali! May the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace and prosperity to your great nation. Israel and India stand together — partners in innovation, friendship, defence and a brighter future,” he said.
Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif also wished the tiny population of Hindus (2.17%) living in that country.
“On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings to our Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world. As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity,” Sharif wrote on X.
“The spirit of Diwali that embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality. Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress,” he added.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney was also among those who wished people.
“Tonight, families and communities across Canada will light diyas and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness – of good over evil. Wishing everyone celebrating Diwali a joyful Festival of Lights,” he posted on X.
Dubai’s ruler and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also extended greetings to people celebrating Diwali in the UAE and across the world.
“Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali!,” he said.
Lawrence Wong, the prime minister of Singapore conveyed his greetings through a video message.
“Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead,” he said.
Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake also greeted people and wrote: “As lamps are lit in every home, we pray that this festival’s light dispels the darkness in our hearts and illuminates our collective path. This celebration of good over evil mirrors our government’s resolve to defeat the threats to our nation’s progress, from drug abuse to extremism…”
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