Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard held extensive discussions on March 17, focusing on enhancing India-US strategic cooperation, particularly in defence and intelligence sharing.
Gabbard, currently on a two-day visit to India, met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on March 16. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a high-level conclave of global intelligence Chiefs aimed at fostering international collaboration to address emerging security threats.
In a social media post, Singh expressed satisfaction over his meeting with Gabbard, stating that they had engaged in productive discussions to further strengthen India-US ties. “We discussed a wide range of issues, including defence cooperation and information sharing, with the goal of deepening the India-US partnership,” Singh noted.
Both leaders reaffirmed that strategic security remains a critical pillar of the broader India-US global partnership. They reviewed significant advancements in military exercises, strategic collaboration, and the integration of defence-industrial supply chains. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing information-sharing mechanisms, particularly in the maritime domain, to address regional and global security challenges.
“The two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in advanced defence technologies and innovation, reinforcing their shared commitment to strengthening mutual strategic interests. Additionally, they discussed ways to improve interoperability and promote greater integration of defence industrial supply chains to enhance resilience and innovation,” the Defence Ministry said.
Doval-Gabbard Meeting
During their meeting on March 16, Doval and Gabbard primarily focused on bolstering intelligence-sharing mechanisms and aligning efforts within the India-US global strategic partnership framework. According to sources, the discussions were constructive and centred on deepening cooperation in counterterrorism and transnational security challenges.
Gabbard was among the key intelligence chiefs, alongside Canadian Intelligence Chief Daniel Rogers, who attended the India-hosted security conclave chaired by Doval. The closed-door deliberations reportedly covered measures to enhance intelligence-sharing capabilities in combating terrorism and organized crime.
Gabbard’s visit to India is part of a broader diplomatic tour that includes Japan, Thailand, and France. She is also set to address the Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday. Last month, she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Washington, D.C., highlighting the deepening engagement between the two nations on security and strategic issues.
It marks Gabbard’s second overseas trip since assuming the role of US Director of National Intelligence. Her first international engagement took her to Germany, where she participated in the Munich Security Conference last month.
Reaffirming the vision outlined in the recent joint statement following Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, Rajnath Singh underscored the robust and expanding India-US defence partnership. He appreciated Gabbard’s strong ties with India and her admiration for Indian culture and heritage, noting that such personal connections contribute to strengthening bilateral ties.
Singh and Gabbard’s discussions reflect the growing momentum in India-US defence relations, emphasizing strategic collaboration, technological innovation, and enhanced security cooperation to address evolving global challenges.
Ravi Shankar
