Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly thanked President Donald Trump for a Diwali phone call, confirming the leaders exchanged greetings.
- Trump repeated his claim that India will sharply limit purchases of Russian oil, a point Indian officials have disputed by stressing consumer-focused energy decisions.
- Trade negotiations continue under a punitive tariff regime of about 50% on Indian goods, with officials indicating narrowed differences in recent talks.
- Trump again credited the United States with helping prevent war between India and Pakistan, a narrative New Delhi has previously rejected.
- The Oval Office Diwali event featured senior U.S. officials and Indian diplomats, while FBI Director Kash Patel’s Diwali post drew racist attacks from MAGA-aligned social media users.