US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on an official visit to India met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. As a gesture of goodwill PM Modi presented Gabbard with Gangajal from the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela, along with a rudraksha bead mala.
In a post on X, PM Modi welcomed Gabbard to India and highlighted their discussion on strengthening the comprehensive global strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington. He emphasized the shared commitment of both nations in combating terrorism and enhancing cooperation in maritime and cyber security.
Gabbard, who took charge as the US intelligence chief last month, had also met PM Modi in the United States. During their conversation, Modi congratulated her on her appointment under US President Donald Trump’s administration and reiterated the importance of deepening India-US relations.
Expanding Trade and Security Cooperation
Speaking to ANI, Gabbard expressed optimism about the limitless potential for India-US cooperation. She recalled the recent meeting between PM Modi and President Trump at the White House, where both leaders committed to expanding trade and investment opportunities to strengthen their economies.
On the issue of tariffs, she noted that both nations are engaged in direct high-level dialogue to find a balanced solution. “Prime Minister Modi is ensuring India’s economic interests, just as President Trump is doing for the United States,” she said, adding that their friendship forms the foundation for future bilateral cooperation.
Gabbard Meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Earlier in the day Gabbard also held discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who raised concerns over the activities of the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the US. Singh urged the US to designate SFJ as a terrorist entity and take action against its alleged links with Pakistan’s ISI and Babbar Khalsa.
Singh also highlighted the group’s targeting of Hindu religious structures in the US, calling for strict measures to prevent such incidents.
Gabbard’s two-and-a-half-day visit marks the first high-level engagement between India and the Trump administration’s intelligence leadership, further reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
