Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday condemned the “barbaric violence” against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and took a swipe at Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden in his Diwali post on X.

In a Diwali message, he accused Harris – his Democratic presidential rival – and Biden of “ignoring” “Hindus” around the world and in the US. “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are being attacked and plundered by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in complete chaos,” he tweeted.

“This would never have happened under my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around 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,” the post continues.

The 78-year-old also vowed to strengthen his ties with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he called a “good friend,” if re-elected.

In July and August, several members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community were attacked by mobs and their properties and businesses destroyed after student protests over a controversial quota system turned into a massive anti-government protest that led to the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina . Even after Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh for India on August 5, violence against Hindus continued for days.

“This would never have happened under my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around 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. “Strength!” said Trump.

“We will also protect Hindu Americans from the anti-religious agenda of the radical left. 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 said.

During his term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump maintained a warm and cordial relationship with Prime Minister Modi and both leaders have demonstrated their camaraderie on camera. The Prime Minister attended the ‘Howdy Modi’ community event in Texas in 2019, while Trump attended the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad in 2020.

Earlier this month, Trump praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him his “friend” and the “nicest person.”

Meanwhile, Trump criticized Kamala Harris, saying, “Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. In contrast, I cut taxes, loosened regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will.” Do it again, bigger and better than ever, and we will make America great again.

The former president ended his tweet with Diwali greetings and wrote, “Also, I wish everyone a happy Diwali. I hope that the Festival of Lights leads to the victory of good over evil!” he said.

Trump’s tweet came just days before the US is set to take part in a high-stakes presidential election on November 5. However, early voting has begun in some states.