Hosting Diwali celebration at White House, President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a good friend and described India as a very good negotiator.
In the historic Roosevelt Room of White House, Trump said before lighting the traditional Diya, “The United States has deep ties to the nation of India, and I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi.”
Referring to the negotiations of the Indo-U.S. trade deal, he further said, “We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders. They’re very good negotiators, you would say, right? The best. So we’re working, and it’s moving along.”
According to a press release issued by the White House, Trump said, “As we light the Diya in the White House, and we join in the fellowship with all of those who light lamps in their own homes, cities, and places of worship.”
“America is a land of faith, and we are truly fortunate to have these wonderful traditions woven into the tapestry of our national life,” he added.
After his address, he lit the ceremonial Diya to mark the festivities of Diwali.
During this official celebration of Diwali at White House, Navtej Singh Sarna, Indian Ambassador in the U.S. and his wife Dr. Avina Sarna were present along with many people of Indian origin.
Sarna thanked President for the honor shown by him for India and the Indian American community and said, “They feel very welcome here and they are integrated into the U.S. society… And I think we are looking at one of the best times we’ve ever had for the India-U.S. relationship.”
To this Trump replied, “I think that’s true. We’re very close. I think closer maybe than ever before.”
The American President also appreciated the hard work done by the Indian and South Asian people in the United States.
“Our nation is blessed to be home to millions of hardworking citizens of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage who enrich our country in countless ways. Together, we are one proud American family,” said Trump.
He also said that he was grateful to have these people in his administration.
He said, “I’m grateful to have numerous Americans of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage who fulfill critical roles across my administration. And they’ve done an incredible job.”
Trump also took Twitter to share the news about Diwali celebration at White House.
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! https://t.co/kQk7IvpSFo pic.twitter.com/tYlBABg4JF
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018
According to a PTI report, Diwali celebration has been an annual tradition at White House since 2003.
Pic: Twitter@realDonaldTrump