Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali phone conversation with US President Donald Trump extended beyond festive greetings to deliver a strategic message regarding India’s position on terrorism and growing US-Pakistan relations.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Signal
In their second phone call within two months, PM Modi publicly acknowledged the interaction on social media: “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.”
The emphasis on standing “united against terrorism” carried significant subtext, reflecting India’s longstanding position that Pakistan sponsors terrorism and provides safe haven to terrorist organizations.
Trump’s Pakistan Remarks Raise Concerns
During White House Diwali celebrations, Trump told media about his conversation with PM Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great friend,” but added: “Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that… And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing.”
India has not confirmed these specific discussions, and Modi’s post remained silent on this aspect. The comments raised concerns in New Delhi about Washington potentially hyphenating India and Pakistan—a policy India has consistently opposed.
Shifting US-Pakistan Dynamics
Recent months have witnessed significant warming in US-Pakistan relations under the Trump administration:
• Trump invited Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to the White House for lunch in June—the first time a US president hosted a Pakistani military chief without civilian leaders
• September 25 meeting included both Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
• Pakistan nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
• Cryptocurrency deals signed between the two nations
Strategic Motivations
Trump’s renewed engagement with Pakistan appears driven by access to the country’s critical mineral deposits, particularly rare earth elements used in batteries and missiles, as China restricts supply.
For Pakistan, the engagement marks diplomatic rehabilitation after years of strategic distance from successive US administrations.
India’s Position
Against this backdrop, Modi’s message served as a reminder that India expects allied nations to maintain firm stances against terrorism and will not compromise its security concerns regarding Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
