The Indian-American community celebrated Diwali at the White House in the presence of senior US and Indian officials.

"Diwali celebrations at the White House, this year, has special significance as the US House of Representatives for the first time passed a resolution recognising the "religious and historical significance" of it just a few days ago" said Arathi Krishna of the Indian embassy.

The festivities took place in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House, and was attended by the Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns among others.

It saw the senior US officials praising the current state of relationship between both countries and is also hopeful for the potential in further growth over the years.

The senior US officials are hopeful the civilian nuclear deal would come to fruition which will then have a bearing on other aspects of the Indo-US relations.