World leaders and foreign envoys extend their wishes on Diwali

Several world leaders and foreign ambassadors extended wishes on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights, which is being celebrated in India and by the Indian community across the world with much pomp and gaiety.
US President Joe Biden, who will demit office in January next year after the November 5 election, extended his Diwali greetings.
“This Diwali, may we show the power in the gathering of light. The light of knowledge, of unity, of truth. The light for freedom, for democracy, for an America where anything is possible,” he tweeted.
Former US President Donald Trump, also the Republican presidential candidate, extended his Diwali wishes and said he hoped the “festival of lights leads to the victory of good over evil”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his Diwali greetings and said it was a “time of coming together” and a “moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over darkness”. He also posted a picture of himself celebrating Diwali at his 10 Downing Street residence.
“Happy Diwali to all those celebrating across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyful celebration. This is a time of coming together, abundance and welcome, and a moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over the darkness,” he tweeted.
UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended his Diwali greetings in a post in Hindi and hoped that the festival brings happiness and warmth to everyone.
“Warm wishes to all those celebrating Deepawali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring happiness and peace to you and your loved ones and keep them safe forever. May the light in your hearts guide you on the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he said.
“May God bring happiness and peace to you and your loved ones, and keep them safe always. May the light of your heart guide you on the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Diwali as a festival of joy, hope and togetherness and is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture.
“It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to all who are observing Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture – one embraced by Australia’s diverse and vibrant society,” he said in a statement posted on X.
“With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It’s a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition,” he added.
“As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali,” he said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz extended his Diwali greetings to “his friend” and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
“My friend @DrSJaishankar, I wish you and the people of India a HappyDiwali2024! Israel and India share the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision for a brighter future. May this Festival of Light bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace. Wishing a very Happy Diwali,” he said.
Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, extended her wishes on Diwali in both English and Hindi. “From all of us @norwayinindia #HappyDiwali2024 Best wishes of Diwali to everyone,” she said while posting a video of Diwali celebrations.
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, extended his Diwali wishes and wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings to my Indian friends and wish them happiness and prosperity from the bottom of my heart. Happy Diwali.”
Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, extended his Diwali greetings and said, “Happy Deepawali to you, May the divine light lead us to health, happiness and prosperity.”
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti too extended his Diwali wishes on the occasion.
“This Diwali, Indians, and Americans across Mission India are sharing these diyas that bring joy and blessings to all. Join us in the festivities as we celebrate the #FestivalofLights with music, dance, festive cheer, and a grateful heart. On behalf of the US Mission in India, I wish everyone a very Happy Diwali. #CelebrateWithUS,” he said.
The British High Commission in India conveyed its Diwali wishes in a X post. “The memories we make with our family and friends, the vibrant colours of our rangolis, the warmth of the #Diwali diyas – the significance of the festival of lights extends far beyond India. A very Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating.”
Israel’s embassy in India also posted a video of its Diwali celebration and wrote, “Happy Diwali. As we celebrate the festival of lights – the victory of good over evil and the homecoming of Lord Ram – we light diyas in unity against all forms of darkness. May these lights bring hope for a brighter future and the safe return of our loved ones.”