US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday to discuss strengthening of security and defence cooperation between India and US. Gabbard is on a two-and-a-half-day visit to India. According to a PTI report, the duo talked about various ways to improve defence and security ties.
Gabbard had also met India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Sunday. This is the first high-level visit to India by a senior official from the Donald Trump administration. Canadian spy chief Daniel Rogers and UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell were some of the leading global intelligence officials who were present at this security meet.
What did Ajit Doval discuss with Gabbard?
Doval chaired the meeting with Gabbard and with other top intelligence officials from around the world to discuss how to improve cooperation in dealing with security challenges, including terrorism and the risks from new emerging technologies.
In a one-on-one meeting, Doval and Gabbard talked about how to improve and better the intelligence sharing between US and India, and also how to work together more closely on security, in line with the India-US global strategic partnership.
A PTI report quoting people familiar with the matter said that the meeting also covered security in the Indo-Pacific region, efforts to fight terror funding and money laundering, and topics related to extradition and immigration.
The Indian officials also expressed concerns about anti-India groups operating from other countries, including pro-Khalistan groups.
Last month, Gabbard had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Washington DC.
During their discussions, the intelligence leaders are said to have talked about various global issues, including the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East.
This is Gabbard’s second trip abroad since becoming the Director of National Intelligence. Her first international trip was to Germany last month, where she attended the Munich Security Conference.
Gabbard is also set to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today in Delhi.