Trump marks festival of lights in Oval Office

US President Donald Trump lit a diya to celebrate Diw ali in the Oval Office on Tuesday with a group of Indian Americans from his administration and a nod to a “very strong relationship” with PM Narendra Modi.

The President’s daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump and chief of staff John Kelly were among others from the administration, joined by top donor to the Trump campaign and Republican Hindu Coalition founder Shalabh Kumar and his family, according to those who attended. Barack O ba ma was the first US president to celebrate Diwali in the White House, in 2009, his first year in office. First lady Michelle O ba ma learnt Bollywood dance steps for the celebration in 2013.

“Today, I was deeply honour ed to be joined by so many administration officials and leaders of the Indian-American community to celebrate Diwali — the Hindu Festival of Lights ,” Trump said in brief remarks, flanked by his guests. “As we do so, we especially remember the people of India, the home of the Hindu faith, who have built the world’s largest democracy,’ he said.

“I greatly value my very strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” headded. The leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of ASEAN meeting in Philippines.

“Our Indian-American friends have made incredible contributions to our country – and to the world, ” he said.