The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Modi and Gabbard discussed counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and the security partnership between New Delhi and Washington. However, the Khalistan issue was not explicitly mentioned.
On Monday evening, US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. During a sideline meeting at an international security conference, Modi presented Gabbard—who was the first Hindu member of the US House of Representatives—with a brass urn filled with sacred water from the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.
Earlier in the day, Gabbard also met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. According to ANI, Rajnath urged the US intelligence chief to take action against the banned Khalistani militant group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He also expressed concerns over the activities of Khalistani separatists operating on American soil.
While the official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted discussions on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and security cooperation, it remained silent on the Khalistan issue. This comes amid a history of tensions between New Delhi and Washington over the matter, particularly during Joe Biden’s presidency. Last year, US authorities charged an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, with conspiring to assassinate Pannun. He was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US. Additionally, in September, an American court summoned India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, over allegations related to the assassination plot.
Beyond the Khalistan issue, Gabbard’s meetings with Doval and Rajnath covered a wide range of topics, including illegal immigration, drug trafficking, border security, intelligence-sharing, human trafficking, and cybersecurity, according to government sources. Notably, this marks the first visit to India by a senior US official since Donald Trump assumed his second term as president.
During her two-and-a-half-day visit, Gabbard participated in the international security conference in Delhi and held several key discussions on strengthening bilateral strategic relations. Speaking to ANI, she raised concerns about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. “The situation in Bangladesh, developments in the Middle East, and even the activities of Yemen’s Houthi rebels could have a significant impact on India. That’s why these global security challenges are at the core of our discussions,” she said.