World leaders from different countries shared their Diwali wishes on October 20, 2025, mainly on X, recognizing the Festival of Lights as a representation of hope, unity, and the victory of light over darkness. Their messages, from Donald Trump to Shehbaz Sharif and Keir Starmer, focused on the festival’s characteristics of being together and the brightness of the upside.
- Donald Trump (United States)
Former U.S. President Donald Trump sent his best wishes during a speech at the White House to every American celebrating Diwali, describing the festival as a “timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness.” He highlighted Diwali as a time for families and friends to unite, celebrate community, and embrace the spirit of renewal. Donald Trump’s speech called on the qualities of hope, righteousness, and good over evil to be valued as enduring virtues.
- Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan)
Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, conveyed his warmest Diwali wishes in an X post to the Hindu community all around the globe. He pointed out darkness being driven out by light and evil being defeated by good as the main themes of the festival. Many people saw Sharif’s remarks as an act of inclusivity in Pakistan’s multicultural society.
- Keir Starmer (United Kingdom)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent out his Diwali greetings and added that the key elements of the festival are togetherness, compassion, and shared purpose. He also shared his experience he had in Mumbai. The Indian community in Britain, which is sizable, got very much his message, and it reminded them of the UK and the core values of peace, hope, and multicultural harmony.
- Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Diwali greetings to Indian PM Narendra Modi and the people of India. He hoped that the Festival of Lights would bring hope, peace, and prosperity to India, reflecting the warm bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE).
The Prime Minister as well as the Ruler of Dubai sent heartfelt greetings for people celebrating Diwali in the UAE, and along with that, he wished peace, safety, and wealth for the people who were celebrating the festival.
- Lawrence Wong (Singapore):
The Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong sent his Diwali wishes through a video, highlighting the lights that illuminate the houses and the significance they hold in the hearts of the people.
Light over darkness. Hope over fear.
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) October 19, 2025
As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts.
Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead. ✨🪔 pic.twitter.com/GnenPV10lX
These messages sent by world leaders highlight the universal themes of Diwali and Indian culture, which are light, hope, and unity, thereby showing that the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance has been recognized globally. Their greetings remind us of the perpetual values that connect humans, and these values are above borders and cultures.
