PM Modi Thanks Trump For Diwali Wishes, Carries Strong Message On Pakistan, Terror

22nd October 2025 at 12:56 PM

1 minute read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali phone call with Donald Trump was not merely about exchanging festive greetings — it carried a pointed reminder for the US President as well.

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali phone call with Donald Trump was not merely about exchanging festive greetings — it carried a pointed reminder for the US President as well. Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms, PM Modi tweeted.

It is the second half of the Prime Minister’s post that carried an unmistakable subtext — on standing “united against terrorism” in all its forms. India has long maintained Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and accused it of providing a safe haven to terrorists. PM Modi’s subtle but strong message to Trump comes amid a startling shift in US-Pakistan relations after years of strategic distance under previous administrations.

The concern for India is the fact that the Trump administration has sought to bring back the old policy of hyphenating India and Pakistan, much to New Delhi’s dismay. While speaking about his call with Modi, whom the President called a “great person” and a “great friend”, Trump said they discussed regional peace and talked about “let’s have no war with Pakistan”.

PM Modi’s post was also silent on this aspect. Trump’s habit of shooting off the cuff is well known, and India is well aware of how Trump is prone to hyperbole. Against this backdrop, PM Modi’s message to Trump was a timely reminder that India would not back down if provoked by Pakistan, and it expects its allies to take a strong stance against terrorism.

The warming up began with Trump inviting Pakistan army chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House in June, weeks after India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire. It was the first time a US president hosted a Pakistani army chief unaccompanied by civilian leaders. Later, on September 25, Trump hosted both Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking the latest sign of improving relations.