New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump marked Diwali with a unique message this year, directing attention to the rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and pledging to bolster US-India relations if re-elected. Trump’s statement condemned the recent attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, adivasis, and hill tribes, which have escalated following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest has reportedly led to an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who faces challenges in curbing the growing violence.
Trump Pledges Support for Hindu Americans and Criticizes Biden’s Foreign Policy
Expressing solidarity with Hindu Americans, Trump criticized the Biden administration’s handling of international crises, accusing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of neglecting issues affecting Hindus globally. Trump took this moment to reinforce his commitment to religious freedom, pledging to protect Hindu Americans from anti-religious agendas. He pointedly added, “It would have never happened on my watch,” highlighting his belief that his administration would have handled the unrest in Bangladesh differently.
Commitment to “Good Friend Modi” and Strengthened US-India Partnership
In a nod to his personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump promised to strengthen ties with India if re-elected, emphasizing the importance of the US-India alliance. “We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi,” Trump stated, underscoring his commitment to supporting Indian interests and building on the two countries’ diplomatic and economic partnership.
Addressing “Barbaric Violence” and Calling for Peace Through Strength
Trump’s statement focused sharply on the situation in Bangladesh, describing the violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities as “barbaric.” Reports from Bangladesh indicate that political unrest has triggered widespread mob attacks and violence targeting minority communities, with the situation deteriorating since student-led protests unseated Hasina. Trump criticized the chaos in Bangladesh as a symbol of broader failures, stating, “Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!”
Diwali Celebrations at the White House and Outreach to Hindu Voters
During his presidency, Trump celebrated Diwali annually at the White House, often accompanied by former First Lady Melania Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump, in a tradition meant to honor the festival of lights and strengthen ties with the Hindu American community. His Diwali messages were noted for their emphasis on US-India relations, which he now revisits as he reaches out to Hindu voters ahead of the November 5 presidential election.
This Diwali message, marking Trump’s first explicit address on the violence in Bangladesh, has resonated with many in the Hindu community, especially as hundreds of Hindus were reportedly killed in Bangladesh in July and August amid heightened protests and civil unrest. Trump’s remarks represent a significant appeal to Hindu voters and a strategic outreach to those concerned about international religious freedoms.
