World Leaders Extend Diwali Greetings to Global Hindu Communities
Leaders from Pakistan, Israel, and the United Kingdom issued festive greetings for Diwali, emphasizing religious harmony, minority rights, and the triumph of good over evil.
Global leaders and diplomatic missions issued greetings on November 8, 2026, to mark the start of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the religious and civil rights of minorities. Zardari described the protection of these rights as a sacred national commitment, while Sharif praised the Hindu community's contributions to the country's social and economic development.
International figures also joined the celebrations. Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishing for peace and prosperity. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham shared a social media message wishing for harmony for those celebrating in the United Kingdom and globally.
Adding to the diplomatic outreach, the Embassy of Italy in India issued a statement characterizing the Festival of Lights as a celebration of the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. The embassy called for the rejection of hatred and oppression through intercultural dialogue and harmony among different religious beliefs.
