Tulsi Gabbard's India visit sets tone for stronger bilateral intelligence and security cooperation
| 2025-03-18
US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard calls on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 17, 2025.
This marks the first high-level visit from the U.S. in President Donald Trump’s second term.
US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to India underscores the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington. Her meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted critical areas of cooperation, including defense, counter-terrorism, economic engagement, and intelligence collaboration.
Her address at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 also provided an insight into the Trump administration’s approach, particularly when it comes to the bilateral relationship with India. Speaking at the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday (March 18, 2025), Gabbard pointed out that the India-US partnership has been strong for decades, and it will strengthen further under President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Gabbard met with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on Monday (March 17, 2025). The Prime Minister warmly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. last month and his productive discussions with President Donald Trump. He also reflected on his past interaction with Gabbard during his U.S. visit and appreciated her role in strengthening Indo-U.S. cooperation in defense, critical technologies, and global security.
Significantly, this marked the first high-level visit from the U.S. in President Trump’s second term, signaling the renewed focus on deepening bilateral ties. Modi conveyed his warm regards to President Trump and reiterated India’s eagerness to host him later this year.
Meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
In discussions with Defence Minister Singh, Gabbard reinforced the commitment of both nations to strengthening defense and security ties. The two leaders discussed counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and advancements in critical defense technologies.
India and the U.S. have been expanding defense engagements under the Major Defense Partner framework, and this meeting further solidified joint efforts in tackling global security challenges.
Intelligence and Security Cooperation
On March 16, 2025, Gabbard participated in a high-level intelligence conference in New Delhi, hosted by India’s National Security Council Secretariat. The meeting brought together intelligence chiefs from several key allies, including Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Advisor, and Andrew Hampton, New Zealand’s head of intelligence. Also present were India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, R&AW Chief Ravi Sinha, and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka.
The gathering highlighted the growing convergence of India’s intelligence framework with its allies, particularly in tackling terrorism, cybersecurity threats, and regional security challenges. Notably, the meeting included representatives from three of the Five Eyes alliance nations (U.S., UK, and New Zealand), reinforcing India's increasing role in global intelligence cooperation.
Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to India reinforced the strategic and economic partnership between the two democracies. Her meetings with top Indian leadership reflected a shared vision for deeper defense collaboration, intelligence sharing, and economic engagement.
As both nations navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, this visit serves as a testament to their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing common global challenges.
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