Washington DC [US]: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday began a multi-nation tour across the Indo-Pacific region, including a visit to India.
Describing herself as a “child of the Pacific,” Gabbard announced her travel plans on social media platform X, stating that her itinerary includes Japan, Thailand, and India, with a brief stop in France on her return to Washington DC.
“I am wheels up on a multi-nation trip to the Indo-Pacific, a region I know very well having grown up as a child of the Pacific. I’ll be going to Japan, Thailand, and India, with a brief stop in France en route back to DC. Building strong relationships, understanding, and open lines of communication are vital to achieving President Trump’s objectives of peace, freedom, and prosperity. First stop: Honolulu where I’ll visit IC partners and INDOPACOM leaders, and our troops engaging in training,” Gabbard posted on X.
According to The New York Times, Gabbard’s visit will include a significant appearance at a security conference in India next week.
This marks her second international trip since assuming her role as a top Trump administration official. Shortly after her confirmation last month, Gabbard traveled to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, as reported by The New York Times.
On Wednesday, Gabbard arrived in Hawaii, home to a major National Security Agency office and the Indo-Pacific Command headquarters. During her stay, she is scheduled to meet with military and intelligence officers and observe US troops in training.
The Asia segment of her tour will conclude with a keynote address on March 18 at the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent security conference in Delhi. Gabbard is expected to meet with Indian officials and representatives from other nations during her visit, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Trump administration has been advocating for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, urging Kyiv to consider concessions to help end the conflict.
During the Munich Security Conference in February, Vice President JD Vance’s remarks criticizing Europe for allegedly curbing conservative free speech drew sharp reactions from European diplomats. However, Gabbard’s focus on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation between Europe and the US was positively received.
A senior Trump administration official noted that Gabbard intends to echo these themes in India, addressing key topics such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and intelligence sharing, according to The New York Times.