Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the second Trump administration. She is currently in India for a three-day visit as part of a broader multi-nation tour. This marks the first high-level trip under the new Trump administration and follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February. During that trip, Modi met with Gabbard and commended her for being a staunch advocate for strengthening India-US relations. This is her second international visit since assuming the role of DNI in February. She is the first female combat veteran and the eighth Senate-confirmed director to hold this position.
She is also the first Hindu ever elected to the US Congress. Her connection to India was evident when she became the first lawmaker to take the oath on the sacred Bhagavad Gita. A long-time admirer of the ancient Hindu text, Gabbard has often emphasized how Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna have been a source of strength and guidance for her. This adds another layer of significance to her visit to India.
Gabbard’s visit to India focuses on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, specifically in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, critical technologies, defence, and counterterrorism efforts. A key objective is a shared commitment to combating Islamic terrorism. This underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to international collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as emerging technological threats, terrorism, and ongoing geopolitical crises.
Throughout her visit, Gabbard has participated in several high-profile meetings. She held a one-on-one discussion with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval. The talk focused on improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the US. She also attended a conclave of top intelligence officials hosted by India, where closed-door talks centred on transnational crime, counterterrorism strategies, and global security issues such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. The Indian side also voiced concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan groups.
In addition to her discussions with the Indian NSA, Gabbard met India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to explore further opportunities to enhance defence and security ties between the two countries. Their discussions also revolved around addressing emerging cybersecurity and artificial intelligence threats, highlighting the growing importance of defence collaboration between India and the US, particularly as both nations seek to mitigate global security risks.
Furthermore, India is a key partner for the US due to its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries share common interests in security and stability. During her visit, Gabbard emphasized India’s importance in the broader Indo-Pacific security framework, reflecting the strategic significance of the US-India alliance.
Beyond security and defence, the visit also underscores the importance of economic relations between the two nations. Discussions have focused on strengthening commerce, education, technology, and trade to foster broader cooperation and economic growth. Gabbard’s visit comes amid bilateral tensions over tariffs and trade. However, the meetings and discussions have facilitated direct dialogue at the highest levels between India and the US on these issues. This reflects the significant potential for deeper economic ties and mutually beneficial solutions.
Gabbard is scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India’s annual flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.
In short, Gabbard’s visit to India is a crucial step in strengthening the India-US strategic partnership, particularly in defence, intelligence, and economic cooperation. Her meetings with top Indian officials reflect the shared commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral relations and address emerging global security and economic challenges.
