Tulsi Gabbard’s Visit to India: Strengthening US-India Security Cooperation

Tulsi Gabbard visited India to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation under the India-US strategic partnership. Doval and Gabbard held productive discussions on terrorism, technology threats, and the Indo-Pacific security. Doval also chaired a global intelligence conclave addressing counter-terrorism and money laundering. Gabbard’s multi-nation tour includes participation in the Raisina Dialogue and discussions amid rising India-Canada tensions.

On her first official visit to India as a senior official in the Donald Trump administration, Tulsi Gabbard arrived in New Delhi for a two-and-a-half-day engagement. During her visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Gabbard engaged in discussions regarding the reinforcement of intelligence sharing and security cooperation as part of the India-US strategic partnership.

Doval and Gabbard participated in a thorough dialogue focusing on critical areas such as combating terrorism, addressing emerging technology threats, and enhancing security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Official sources indicated that their discourse was productive, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the two nations.

The global intelligence conclave, chaired by Doval, convened intelligence heads from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and other allied nations. Although discussions were conducted privately, sources revealed that participants concentrated on important topics, including counter-terrorism financing, money laundering, and extradition matters, alongside addressing anti-India factions operating from abroad.

Gabbard’s itinerary includes her participation in the Raisina Dialogue to be held in New Delhi on Tuesday, complementing her multi-nation tour that involves visits to Japan, Thailand, and France. Notably, this trip marks her second foreign visit since assuming the role of US intelligence chief, following her initial attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

Amid rising tensions between India and Canada regarding the Nijjar case, the visit by Canadian intelligence chief Daniel Rogers could prompt important discussions. Following allegations made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concerning Indian agents’ involvement in Nijjar’s killing—a claim vigorously denied by India—the diplomatic relationship between the two countries has deteriorated, raising expectations for dialogue on this issue during Doval’s meeting with Rogers.

In summary, Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to India marks a significant step in strengthening intelligence and security cooperation between the United States and India. With discussions encompassing crucial topics such as terrorism and technology threats, and the global intelligence conclave inviting key international figures, both nations are poised to enhance collaborative efforts. The context of ongoing tensions with Canada over the Nijjar incident adds urgency to these discussions, emphasizing the need for strategic dialogues amid global challenges.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com