PM Modi Meets Newly Appointed US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard in Washington
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington, D.C., on Thursday morning (IST) as part of his two-day visit to the United States.
Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by a large gathering of the Indian diaspora. Expressing his gratitude, Modi stated, “A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington, D.C., has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them.”
Meeting with Tulsi Gabbard
Shortly after his arrival, Modi met with Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed US Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
This meeting was among the first in his packed US schedule, which also includes a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Modi congratulated Gabbard on her confirmation and acknowledged her strong advocacy for India-US relations.
In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington, D.C. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary.”
Strengthening Intelligence Cooperation
The discussion between Modi and Gabbard revolved around enhancing intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and emerging threats.
According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “PM @narendramodi held a productive meeting with US Director of National Intelligence @TulsiGabbard in Washington, D.C. today. Discussions focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity & emerging threats.”
Modi-Trump Meeting on the Horizon
Modi is also set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House. This marks the first official meeting between the two leaders since Trump assumed his second term in office.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Modi stated, “Landed in Washington, D.C., a short while ago. Looking forward to meeting @POTUS Donald Trump and building upon the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our nations will keep working closely for the benefit of our people and for a better future for our planet. @realDonaldTrump”
Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmation as DNI
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, was confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence on Wednesday following a 52-48 Senate vote.
Despite facing bipartisan skepticism, she took the oath of office in the Oval Office, administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi. President Trump praised Gabbard as “an American of extraordinary courage and patriotism.”
After taking office, Gabbard acknowledged the public’s distrust in the intelligence community, stating, “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 vowed to “refocus our intelligence community.”
Modi’s Diplomatic Engagements
Prior to his visit to the US, Modi had completed a three-day trip to France, where he co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Upon arriving in the US, he was received by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with senior officials.
During his stay, Modi is scheduled to engage in discussions with Trump, members of the US cabinet, and industry leaders.
The visit aims to build upon the foundation of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership established during Trump’s first term.
Warm Welcome at Blair House
Modi is staying at Blair House, a historic guest house for visiting dignitaries. Upon arrival, he was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi Modi.”
Expressing his appreciation, Modi wrote, “A warm reception in the winter chill. Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington, D.C., has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them.”
The Future of India-US Relations
Ahead of his visit, Modi reflected on past collaborations with Trump and emphasized his commitment to strengthening India-US relations.
He stated, “Although this will be our first meeting following his historic electoral victory and inauguration in January, I have a very warm recollection of working together in his first term in building a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.”
Since November 2024, Modi and Trump have spoken twice over the phone.
Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Trump’s inauguration ceremony and engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.
