In a significant diplomatic exchange, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Tulsi Gabbard, the newly sworn-in US Director of National Intelligence, in Washington, D.C. Talks focused on enhancing collaboration between India and the US, particularly in intelligence sharing, anti-terrorism, and emerging security challenges.
During the meeting, PM Modi congratulated Gabbard on her confirmation as the nation’s top intelligence official, which she received earlier on Wednesday.
“Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed a few facets of the India-USA friendship, for which she’s always been an ardent votary,”
PM Modi tweeted on X.
The talks also focused on the need to enhance intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, according to Randhir Jaiswal, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson. “PM @narendramodi had a fruitful meeting with US Director of National Intelligence @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC today. Talks centered on augmenting intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity & emerging threats,” Jaiswal tweeted.
In the White House, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with President Donald Trump on Thursday after returning to the US capital on Wednesday night from a visit to the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in France. Expressing optimism about India-US relations, PM Modi stated, “Our nations will continue to work closely for our people and for a brighter future for our world.”
Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as National Intelligence Director within minutes of her Senate confirmation in a near-52 to 48 vote. The ceremony was held at the Oval Office where Attorney General Pam Bondi was chairing and conducting the swearing-in ceremony.
Trump praised Gabbard as “an American of unusual bravery and patriotism” for having served with the Army National Guard in three deployments as well as having had a prior background as Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii.
Despite criticism on both sides of the aisle regarding whether she can get along with the intelligence community, Gabbard reaffirmed that she was committed to restoring the public’s confidence in the intelligence agencies.
“Unfortunately, the American people have very little trust in the intelligence community, largely because they’ve seen the weaponization and politicization of an entity that is supposed to be purely focused on ensuring our national security,” she stated after the ceremony of taking the oath.
