World leaders, diplomats extend wishes, call for peace and prosperity - Firstpost

World leaders and diplomats have extended Diwali greetings, highlighting the festival's message of peace, prosperity and the triumph of good over evil. As India prepares to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, greetings have begun pouring in from world leaders, foreign diplomats and prominent political figures across the globe. From the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Europe and the United States, leaders have shared messages of hope, peace and prosperity ahead of the festivities. UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, extended Diwali greetings to people celebrating the festival in the UAE and around the world. In a post on X, he wished that the festival of lights would bring peace, hope and goodness, while filling people's lives with safety, happiness and prosperity. Message of hope Former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also extended her Diwali wishes, highlighting the festival's message of light overcoming darkness. Wishing all who are celebrating a joyful Diwali! May we be reminded on this special day, and all days, that God’s love has the power to dispel all darkness and fill our lives with light, peace and joy. https://t.co/eSgMwUwpRq — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) November 7, 2026 "Wishing all who are celebrating a joyful Diwali! May we be reminded on this special day, and all days, that God’s love has the power to dispel all darkness and fill our lives with light, peace and joy," she wrote on X. Light over darkness Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also extended his Deepavali greetings to Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world. In a post on X, Dissanayake described Deepavali as one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings on the occasion of Deepavali, one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna, over the demon Narakasura, Hindus engage in religious observances with the hope that, just as righteousness triumphed over unrighteousness, darkness will be dispelled from every heart and the light of goodness will prevail. The true meaning of Deepavali extends beyond illuminating homes with the light of oil lamps. It lies in kindling the light of love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in the hearts of people. Deepavali therefore provides a valuable opportunity to renew our resolve to build a better, more just and compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division, and justice over injustice. We remain firmly committed to the great responsibility of transforming every sphere of society, the economy and politics, and building a nation that respects all religious and cultural identities and treats everyone with equality and dignity. I hope that the path we are collectively pursuing towards building Sri Lanka as an Island of Peace and Humanity, which grows stronger economically and socially and stands with dignity before the world, will be further illuminated by the lamps lit this Deepavali. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world for a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Deepavali. Anura Kumara Dissanayake President Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 08 November 2026 — Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) November 7, 2026 Referring to the legend of Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, he said the significance of the festival went beyond lighting oil lamps, emphasising the values of love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity. He also said Deepavali offered an opportunity to renew the resolve to build a more just and compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division and justice over injustice. Reaffirming his government's commitment to building a nation that respects all religious and cultural identities and treats everyone with equality and dignity, Dissanayake expressed hope that the lights of Deepavali would further illuminate Sri Lanka's journey towards becoming an "Island of Peace and Humanity". He wished Hindu devotees a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Deepavali. Rights and harmony With facing criticism over violation of human rights of minorities, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invoked the country's constitution while extending Diwali greetings to the Hindu community In a post on X, Sharif described Diwali as a symbol of the triumph of light over hatred, intolerance and despair. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on the Occasion of Diwali, 8 November 2026. On the joyous and auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt felicitations and warmest wishes to the Hindu community across the world, particularly those residing in Pakistan. Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair. The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life. The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali. The Hindu community of Pakistan is a valued and integral part of our national fabric. Its invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of our country are worthy of the highest appreciation. The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility. Our collective resolve is to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation. A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens. On this special occasion, let us renew our collective commitment to fostering interfaith harmony, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and brotherhood, and working together towards a brighter future founded on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. I hope that all Pakistani Hindus celebrating Diwali will enjoy the vibrant and festive traditions of this joyous occasion to the fullest and share with society a message of peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope. Heartfelt felicitations to the Hindu community on the joyous occasion of Diwali! — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 7, 2026 Highlighting the contributions of Pakistan's Hindu community to the country's social, cultural and economic development, Sharif described it as a valued and integral part of the national fabric. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity. Stressing the importance of religious harmony and mutual respect, he called for a collective effort to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan. Sharif urged people to renew their commitment to interfaith harmony and wished Pakistani Hindus celebrating Diwali happiness, prosperity and hope. Diplomatic greetings Several foreign diplomats serving in India have also joined the celebrations, sharing their experiences and extending festive greetings. European Union Ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet recalled his first Diwali experience in the country. Sharing his thoughts on X, he described it as, "a beautiful experience, with lights illuminating every corner." My first Diwali in India, lights everywhere, a truly beautiful experience to cherish! Sharing festive moments, enjoying delicious food, laughter and the warmth of being together - lovely memories to take with me. Wishing everyone a joyful and Happy Diwali! ✨ @EU_in_India https://t.co/puidMggBTq — Jean-Eric Paquet (@EUAmbIndia) November 7, 2026 The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India marked the occasion by organising a special diya-decoration workshop. 🪔✨ Celebrating Diwali 2026! To celebrate the Festival of Lights, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India organized a special diya decorating workshop. Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali! #HappyDiwali #Diwali2026 #FestivalOfLights #KoreaIndiaFriendship #ROKEmbassyIndia https://t.co/bqCFjsRRBV — Korean Embassy India (@RokEmbIndia) November 7, 2026 Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener also shared a video on X extending her Diwali wishes. She noted that although the celebrations were taking place within the embassy premises, the festive spirit and greetings extended far beyond its walls. Germany's Ambassador to India and Bhutan also conveyed his wishes on the occasion. Meanwhile, Denmark's Ambassador to India, Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, highlighted the significance of the festival, saying that even the smallest light can make a big difference. The Embassy of Japan in India also joined the festivities by hosting a special Diwali lunch. Diwali, celebrated by millions of people across the world, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is marked by lighting diyas, decorating homes, exchanging gifts and gathering with family and friends.