Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on Monday, marking a significant moment in US-India relations. During the meeting, Modi presented Gabbard with a symbolic and deeply spiritual gift — water from the Ganga, collected during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. This sacred water, drawn from the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, holds immense religious significance in Hindu culture. The Maha Kumbh, which ended on February 26, drew an astonishing crowd of over 660 million pilgrims, making it the largest human gathering ever recorded. By offering this sacred water, Modi not only honored Gabbard's Hindu faith but also underscored the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between India and the United States.
The meeting came just hours after Gabbard held talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where the focus shifted to more pressing security concerns — particularly the activities of the banned Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) operating on US soil. Both sides agreed on the need to curb separatist movements that threaten India’s sovereignty, with Gabbard reiterating that the US is committed to ensuring its territory is not misused to promote extremism against India. The issue of SFJ’s attempts to mobilize support for a separate Khalistan, alongside their provocative rhetoric and alleged funding networks, remains a sensitive topic in India-US relations. Gabbard assured Indian officials that Washington takes these matters seriously and is working to prevent such groups from exploiting American freedoms to incite violence abroad.
Gabbard’s visit to India — part of a larger multinational tour focused on intelligence, counterterrorism, and global security partnerships — is seen as a strategic move to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. With the world facing increasingly complex security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, India and the US have been drawing closer together. The two nations are already partners in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), alongside Japan and Australia, aimed at promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific — a region where China's growing influence remains a shared concern.
At 43, Gabbard’s appointment as the US Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump’s new administration marks a historic moment. She’s not only the first Hindu to hold such a high-ranking intelligence position but also one of the youngest leaders to oversee the vast American intelligence apparatus, which includes agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI. Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii and an Iraq War veteran, has long been known for her strong views on foreign policy, her opposition to regime-change wars, and her belief in fostering strong, mutually respectful ties with India.
Her connection to India runs deeper than politics — it’s personal. Gabbard has spoken openly about how her Hindu faith shapes her worldview. She’s visited India multiple times, participated in major Indian cultural events like the Gita Jayanti and Diwali celebrations, and even took her Congressional oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. This unique blend of faith and diplomacy has made her a respected figure among the Indian diaspora in the US, many of whom see her as a bridge between the two nations.
During their meeting, Modi and Gabbard reportedly discussed a wide array of issues, ranging from intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts to enhancing cooperation in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space exploration. The two leaders also addressed regional security challenges, with a particular focus on ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing assertiveness. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to working alongside the US to uphold international rules-based order in the region — especially regarding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The symbolic presentation of Ganga water wasn’t just a personal gesture — it carried a powerful diplomatic message. In Hindu tradition, Ganga water represents purity, life, and renewal. By offering it to Gabbard, Modi effectively acknowledged her spiritual roots while highlighting the shared values of democracy, resilience, and mutual respect that bind the two nations. For Gabbard, who has often spoken about the inspiration she draws from Indian philosophy, this gift was both a personal honor and a reaffirmation of her long-standing ties to India.
As Gabbard continues her India visit, she’s expected to meet other top officials, industry leaders, and security experts to further discussions on intelligence collaboration, defense partnerships, and strategies to counter emerging global threats. Both sides are keen to explore more avenues for cooperation, including advanced military technology, joint counterterrorism operations, and intelligence sharing on extremist networks — with a special focus on safeguarding Indian interests.
The meeting between Modi and Gabbard is likely to resonate well beyond this visit. It reflects a growing, evolving partnership between two of the world’s largest democracies — one rooted not just in shared strategic interests, but in cultural understanding, personal bonds, and a commitment to a more secure, stable world.
