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World Leaders, Global Diplomats Extend Warm Wishes On Diwali

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New Delhi: As India celebrates Diwali today, greetings have poured in from world leaders and foreign diplomats across the globe, who highlighted the festival’s message of peace, prosperity and the triumph of good over evil.

Prominent political leaders, from the United States to Sri Lanka, shared messages of peace, hope and compassion on the occasion.

Extending his warmest greetings, UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “May this festival of lights bring you peace, hope, and goodness, and may your days be filled with safety, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Diwali!”

‘Kindness Over Hatred’

Hindu-American politician and former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also extended her wishes, highlighting the message of peace and joy.

“Wishing all who are celebrating a joyful Diwali! May we be reminded on this special day, and all days, that God’s love has the power to dispel all darkness and fill our lives with light, peace and joy,” she said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump joined the Diwali celebrations and participated in a diya-lighting ceremony at the White House on Friday. He was accompanied by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, renowned chef Vikas Khanna, entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and US National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described Diwali as one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu community, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

“Commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna, over the demon Narakasura, Hindus engage in religious observances with the hope that, just as righteousness triumphed over unrighteousness, darkness will be dispelled from every heart and the light of goodness will prevail,” he said.

He added that Diwali offered an opportunity to renew the resolve to build a better, just and compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division and justice over injustice.

Pak PM’s Message To Hindu Community

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, calling for interfaith harmony and tolerance. He described the Hindu community in Pakistan as a “valued and integral” part of the national fabric.

“Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair. The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life. The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali,” he said on X.

“The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity,” Sharif added.

Australian high commissioner to India Philip Green marked his final Diwali in the country with members of the Australian high commission. Sharing glimpses of the celebrations on X, Green described the occasion as particularly special as he celebrated the festival for the last time in India in his capacity as high commissioner.

“Diwali with the high commission family is always special, and even more so as I celebrate my final Diwali in India as high commissioner. A memorable day of warmth, festive cheer & lots of dancing. A few highlights,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the consulate general of India in Shanghai celebrated Diwali with members of the Tamil community at an event organised by Tamil Sangamam, described as the oldest Tamil community organisation in China. Consul general Pratik Mathur attended the gathering as the chief guest.

In a post on X, the Indian consulate said Mathur was honoured to be invited as the chief guest at the organisation’s large-scale Diwali celebrations. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of India’s festivals and traditions and invoked the civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family”.

Indian diplomatic missions across the United States and Canada also extended Diwali greetings to members of the Indian diaspora and local communities. The celebrations featured cultural programmes and community gatherings, showcasing India’s diverse heritage and recognising the contributions of Indian-origin communities.

The festivities across diplomatic missions and international communities reflected Diwali’s growing global presence and its message of hope, positivity, peace and shared prosperity.

Diplomats Extend Greetings

Meanwhile, ambassadors of several countries also extended Diwali wishes.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, said the message of light over darkness was deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of both India and Iran. He also invoked the Islamic Republic’s ‘resilience’ in the war against the US.

“India and Iran share a long history of friendship and deep cultural and civilisational ties. On this joyful occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to this friendly government and the great people of India,” he added.

The South Korean Embassy in India hosted a special diya-decoration workshop to celebrate Diwali. EU Ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet celebrated his first Diwali in India and described it as a “truly beautiful experience to cherish!”

Meanwhile, Jasper Wieck, Germany’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan, extended festive wishes during a Diwali celebration at the German Embassy on Saturday.

“Happy Diwali to all. What you are doing here tonight, our Indian colleagues, is wonderful. You share your traditions, your celebrations and your festival with all of us. We are very happy and grateful. You bring the entire embassy team together through this celebration,” he said.

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