Washington DC/IBNS, Oct. 22 -- Amid tariff war with India, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his "great friend".

Trump himself lit diyas celebrating the Hindu festival, which is widely celebrated across India where the festive season spanning months is currently underway.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Trump's phone call and thanked the US President for the Diwali wishes.

Trump expressed bonhomie with Modi at a time the US President is recurrently warning India of the continuation of heavy tariffs over New Delhi's Russian oil purchase.

Last week, Trump claimed India decided to suspend buying energy from its all-weather friend Russia. In...