World leaders extend Diwali greetings

Political leaders from various nations, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, extended Diwali wishes on Sunday. They expressed hopes for peace, prosperity, unity and hope for those celebrating the festival.

Macron and Carney shared their messages on social media, with Macron using both English and Hindi. Carney highlighted the festival's significance in bringing communities together across religious and cultural divides.

Albanese described Diwali as the celebration of light overcoming darkness and ignorance, emphasizing the values of compassion, understanding, love, and unity. UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sri Lanka's President Dissanayake echoed similar sentiments, urging for a society based on kindness, coexistence, and justice.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Zardari and Sharif, Israeli President Herzog, and Seychelles' Herminie wished Hindu communities peace, happiness, and prosperity. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for strengthening unity in a diverse society, while Thailand's Anutin inaugurated a 27-day Diwali festival in Bangkok, organized with Indian Embassy and other partners. US President Trump also celebrated Diwali at the White House.