New Delhi [India]: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressed confidence in the continued growth and strengthening of the partnership between the United States and India, as well as the positive relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday, Gabbard shared her joy about returning to India, calling it a warm experience enriched by the nation’s rich history. She opened her address by greeting the audience with ‘Jai Shree Krishna’.
“It is great for me to be back here in India. It’s been too long, but it’s always such a wonderful and warm experience knowing the rich history of this country and the vibrant democracy that really serves as the foundation for the special bond that has long existed between our two countries,” Gabbard said.
She explained the deeper meanings behind greetings like ‘Aloha’ and ‘Namaste’, emphasizing that they represent respect and recognition of the shared divine spirit within everyone.
“It is a recognition of the eternal divine spirit that exists within each of our hearts. It’s a reminder that we are all connected, that we are all children of God, regardless of our race, religion, ethnicity, or politics,” she added.
Gabbard expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for inviting her to the Raisina Dialogue, acknowledging the strength of India-US ties built over decades.
“I especially want to thank Prime Minister Modi for the invitation… The partnership between our two countries has been strong for decades, and under the leadership of two great leaders and true great friends, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I’m confident that this partnership and friendship between our two nations and our leaders will continue to grow and strengthen,” she said.
She described gatherings like the Raisina Dialogue as crucial platforms for discussing global challenges.
“These gatherings are so important because they give us the opportunity to come together and actually engage in direct dialogue and conversation around the most timely and pressing issues that face us all,” Gabbard stated.
Reflecting on her childhood, Gabbard mentioned her roots in the Pacific region and her deep understanding of Indo-Pacific cultures.
“I’m a child of the Pacific. I was born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii… The Indo-Pacific is not just a geographic space; it is the geopolitical centre of gravity for the 21st century,” she said.
Gabbard highlighted global conflicts, referencing President Trump’s campaign commitment to peace and ending the war in Ukraine.
“Unfortunately, we live in a time where war and conflict is being waged on many fronts… The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has declared the doomsday clock to be 89 seconds to midnight, closer to the brink of nuclear catastrophe than ever before,” Gabbard warned.
She praised Trump for prioritizing peace despite criticism.
“During President Trump’s recent campaign, he made peace a pillar of his campaign to stop the killing, prevent World War III, and avoid nuclear war… For this commitment, he was attacked relentlessly,” she added.
The Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics. This year’s event, held from March 17-19 in Delhi, focuses on key global challenges under the theme “People, Peace, and Planet.”