Modi In Washington: Meets Security Officials Tulsi Gabbard, Michael Waltz

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tulsi Gabbard, the newly minted U.S. Director of National Intelligence, here, focusing on enhancing intelligence cooperation between India and the United States. Gabbard, the first Hindu American to hold the country’s top intelligence post, discussed key areas of collaboration, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emerging global threats.

Modi congratulated Hindu American Gabbard on her historic confirmation, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two nations in security and intelligence-sharing. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to tackling shared security challenges.

The meeting was part of Modi’s two-day visit to the U.S. capital following his trip to France, where he co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Waltz

Modi also met U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz at Blair House where he is staying, joined by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Waltz, a strong advocate of U.S.-India ties and a key figure in the U.S.-India Caucus, reiterated India’s growing importance in Washington’s strategic interests.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the significance of Modi’s visit, particularly in advancing economic cooperation. While India has been advocating for lower tariffs on its exports, the U.S. is keen on expanding energy and military sales to India.

Arrival

Upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on February 12, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian American community. Enthusiastic supporters, waving Indian and American flags, chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Modi, Modi.” Expressing gratitude, Modi posted on X, “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.” (with ANI inputs)