• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump over phone where he underscored both India and the United States are “two great democracies" that would continue to “illuminate the world" with hope and unity, standing firmly together against terrorism in all its forms. However, he did not mention about Russian oil issue as claimed by President Trump after hosting Diwali party at the White House on Tuesday.

"Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings," PM Modi said in a post on X on Wednesday. "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 prime minister said.

The phone call between the two leaders comes at a time when the US-India relationship has hit a rough patch over trade tariffs and other issues.

ALSO READ: 'No Phone Conversation Between PM Modi, Trump': MEA Responds To US President's Claims On India-Russia Oil Trade

Trump hosts Diwali Party at White House

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House and extended his warm greetings to the people of India and Indian-Americans on the occasion. During initial remarks, the US President praised PM Modi, calling him a "great person" and a "great friend", while highlighting US-India ties in trade and regional peace.

He then claimed PM Modi assured him to halt Russian oil in order to end Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump claims PM Modi assured to halt Russian oil

While speaking to reporters after celebrations, Trump claimed he spoke to Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday and the two sides are "working on some great deals between our countries."

"I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. We had a great conversation. We talked about trade. We talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade. He's very interested in that," he said.

ALSO READ: 'Spoke To PM Modi On Diwali, He Assured Me To Cut Russian Oil': Trump After Hosting Diwali Party At White House

Trump also reiterated that he had been assured that India is "not going to buy much oil from Russia." "We just have a very good relationship, and he's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as with Russia, Ukraine. And as you know, they're not going to be buying too much oil. So, they've got it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back," he emphasised.

While India has started buying Russian oil in the last few years, China is Moscow's biggest energy buyer. The Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India in August for purchasing Russian oil while taking no action against China.

(With inputs from agency)

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