U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard is in India where she participated in high-level discussions with top Indian officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her visit underscores the deepening India-U.S. strategic partnership, particularly in defense and security cooperation.

Concerns Over Khalistani Group SFJ

During a 30-minute meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns about the activities of the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in the U.S. Singh urged Gabbard to take stringent action against SFJ and designate it as a terrorist organization. According to sources cited by PTI, he also discussed the groups alleged ties with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its reported collaboration with the Babbar Khalsa militant group.

Singh specifically pointed out SFJs role in targeting Hindu religious structures in the U.S., emphasizing the need for urgent intervention. SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is already banned in India due to its separatist agenda and alleged involvement in extremist activities.

Strengthening India-U.S. Security Cooperation

Apart from discussing SFJ, Singh and Gabbard reviewed the growing India-U.S. defense partnership. The discussions covered key areas such as military exercises, strategic security cooperation, and integration of defense industrial supply chains. Both sides also emphasized the importance of enhanced information sharing, particularly in the maritime domain, to bolster regional security.

A statement from the Defence Ministry highlighted the focus on fostering innovation in cutting-edge defense technologies and strengthening defense industrial supply chains to enhance resilience and cooperation between the two nations.

Gabbard also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recalled his productive discussions with President Trump in Washington D.C. Modi appreciated Gabbard’s role in strengthening cooperation in defense, critical technologies, counter-terrorism, and addressing global challenges. He noted the significance of her visit as the first high-level engagement from the U.S. in President Trump’s second term and conveyed warm greetings to President Trump, expressing anticipation for his visit to India later this year.

Meetings with Jaishankar and Doval

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Gabbard, describing their discussion as a useful exchange on contemporary global and regional security challenges. The two leaders explored ways to deepen collaboration in defense technology and intelligence sharing while reinforcing strategic maritime cooperation.

Gabbards itinerary also included a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The discussions revolved around intelligence-sharing mechanisms and enhancing security cooperation under the broader India-U.S. global strategic partnership framework.

Engagements with PM Modi and Raisina Dialogue

Gabbards visit follows her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Washington, D.C. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and key security challenges facing both nations.

Gabbard is also scheduled to address the Raisina Dialogue conclave on Tuesday, where she is expected to discuss Indo-Pacific security and global intelligence cooperation.