New Delhi: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard met with PM Modi in Delhi on Monday hours after her meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during her two-and-a-half-day visit to India as part of a multinational tour.
Taking to X welcoming Gabbard to India, PM Modi said India and US are committed to fighting terrorism alongside enhancing cooperation in maritime and cybersecurity, India Today reported.
It is reported that meeting held in Delhi discussed anti-India activities being carried out in the US by banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
Citing sources The Indian Express reported that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Tulsi Gabbard to designate the pro-Khalistan separatist outfit ‘Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)’ as a ‘terrorist outfit’.
The minister’s request to designate SFJ as a ‘terrorist’ outfit comes as India is facing allegations of plotting to assassinate SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
Alongside, an investigation is underway in Canada after Canada accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the country.
‘Glad to welcome @TulsiGabbard to India. Exchanged views on further advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cybersecurity cooperation,’ PM Modi said on X.
Presenting Gabbard with water from the Ganga collected during the Maha Kumbh, PM Modi talked about the grand religious gathering that saw over 660 million people visiting the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj becoming the largest human gathering on the planet.
To PM Modi, Gabbard gifted a Tulsi Mala, or Tulsi rosary, which has deep significance in Hinduism as devotees of Lord Krishna known as ‘vishnu priya’ wear them signifying their devotion.
Gabbard, who is known to be a practicing Hindu, earlier told news agency ANI that she draws strength and guidance from Bhagavad Gita.
Arriving in Delhi on Sunday, Gabbard held talks with Indian officials on a gamut of topics including intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity, and defence relations.
Gabbard’s second overseas visit since taking office follows PM Modi’s first trip to the US in February after President Donald Trump returned to power for the second time.
During the visit, PM Modi hailed Gabbard as a strong supporter of India-US ties.
In Delhi, Gabbard attended a conclave chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval where intelligence and security officials from around 20 countries were present.