UAE, Russia, US: Leaders across world extend Diwali greetings to India, call for peace and prosperity

International leaders, diplomatic missions and political figures across India extended Diwali greetings on Sunday, wishing people health, happiness and prosperity while highlighting the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil.

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wished people celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world good health and prosperity in the year ahead.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Best wishes to all those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this celebration and the year ahead bring good health and prosperity to you and your families.”

Guyana President Irfaan Ali also extended his greetings, particularly to members of the Hindu community in his country. He described Diwali as a celebration of “light overcoming darkness, wisdom dispelling ignorance, and goodness rising triumphant over evil”.

In his message on X, Ali said the lighting of diyas served as a reminder of compassion, truth and love. He also used the occasion to underline the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.

Highlighting that forests cover around 85 per cent of Guyana’s landmass, he said the country’s biodiversity, freshwater resources, mangroves and marine ecosystems were vital to its economic resilience and human well-being.

“Guyana - now recognised globally for championing environmental stewardship, must continue to ensure that development and environmental protection advance together,” he said.

Ali called for the protection of natural resources for future generations, adding, “May the lights of Diwali therefore illuminate a deeper understanding and acceptance that our forests, rivers, biodiversity, and oceans are not merely natural resources; they are the foundations of life and human well-being.”

The United Nations also extended its wishes, describing Diwali as a festival that carries the message of hope, knowledge and prosperity.

“During #Diwali - the festival of lights celebrated in India and by followers of many faiths around the world - clay lamps are lit as symbols of hope, the pursuit of knowledge and prosperity. We wish a happy and safe Diwali to all those celebrating,” the UN said in a post on X.

Md Alamgeer Hossain, Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, extended greetings to Hindu communities in India, Bangladesh and beyond. He stressed the importance of inclusivity and harmony in his message.

“May the spirit of inclusivity and joy embrace all people regardless of all identities to uphold Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance,” he wrote on X.

Diwali celebrations across the world

Diwali festivities were also organised by Indian diplomatic missions and communities in several countries.

The Consulate General of India in Shanghai celebrated the festival with members of the Tamil community at an event organised by Tamil Sangamam, described as the oldest Tamil community organisation in China. Consul General Pratik Mathur attended as the chief guest and highlighted India’s civilisational philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning the world is one family.

In Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez joined celebrations organised jointly by the Venezuelan government and the Indian Embassy in Caracas. She also extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green marked his final Diwali in the country with members of the Australian High Commission. He described the gathering as a memorable occasion filled with warmth, festive cheer and dancing. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also recognised Diwali as an important part of the country’s multicultural identity.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India organised a diya-decorating workshop, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) extended greetings to communities celebrating Deepavali across the region.

Indian leaders extend Diwali wishes

Political leaders across party lines also conveyed their greetings, wishing people a peaceful and prosperous festival.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended special wishes to soldiers guarding the country’s borders, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, traders and others contributing to nation-building.

“On this auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend special greetings to our brave soldiers defending our country’s borders, our farmer brothers who fill the nation’s granaries, and the workers, entrepreneurs, traders and all fellow citizens engaged in nation-building,” Birla wrote on X.

He prayed for happiness and prosperity in every household and said he hoped businesses and industries would prosper as India continued to grow economically and socially.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal invoked the blessings of Lord Shri Ram, wishing happiness, peace and prosperity for every household.

“May the boundless grace of Lord Shri Ram fill your entire home and courtyard with happiness, peace and prosperity on this festival of joy and light. Happy Diwali,” he wrote.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar highlighted the festival’s message of moving from darkness towards light and looking to the future with renewed hope.

In his message, Pawar wished for “happiness, health, and prosperity” in every home and called for greater trust, social harmony and cooperation.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan urged people to use the festival as an opportunity to work towards a more inclusive country.

“May the light of Deepavali inspire us to overcome darkness with courage, spread hope through compassion and build a brighter future through collective action,” he wrote.

He also called for efforts to serve people, support the underprivileged, protect the environment and ensure that development reaches every section of society.

BRS working president K T Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, also extended his wishes, writing: “Wishing you all a Happy Diwali.”

Diwali, widely known as the festival of lights, symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival is marked by the lighting of traditional lamps, prayers, family gatherings and the exchange of greetings and sweets.

(With ANI inputs)