Indian missions in London, Washington, Paris, Moscow and Abu Dhabi extended Diwali greetings and celebrated the festival with the Indian diaspora on Sunday. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed November 8 as Diwali in the state.
India's High Commissioner to the UK, P. Kumaran, extended greetings to the Indian diaspora in a special message. The High Commission of India in London said on the social media platform X that the message celebrated the traditions connecting the diaspora to its roots and the bonds of friendship between India and the UK. A second post from the mission extended wishes to the Indian diaspora, friends of India and everyone marking the Festival of Lights across the UK and beyond.
The Consulate General of India in New York thanked Governor Hochul for proclaiming November 8, 2026, as Diwali, « The Festival of Lights », in New York State. The Consulate said it appreciated the recognition of the Indian-American community's contributions to the state.
In France, the Embassy of India in Paris hosted a Diwali reception for the Indian community at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on November 7. The Embassy said the event brought the community together in a spirit of unity, friendship and conviviality.
In Russia, the Consulate General of India in Saint Petersburg celebrated Diwali with the Indian diaspora in collaboration with INRUCS. Consul General Neelam Rani addressed the gatherings on the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival. The programme included Indian dance performances and quizzes, and videos on Mission LiFE were shown as part of BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week. In Moscow, artists of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India took part in the Diwali Special Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, open to the public from November 3 to 10.
In the UAE, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi was lit up for the festival. The Embassy said on X that it extended warm wishes to everyone celebrating in the UAE and around the world.