Strengthening ties: Prime minister meets Tulsi Gabbard, calls her 'Strong votary' of India-US friendship

On February 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI), in Washington, D.C. This meeting occurred shortly after Gabbard's swearing-in ceremony at the White House. PM Modi congratulated Gabbard on her confirmation and described her as a "strong votary" of the India-U.S. friendship. Their discussions encompassed various aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. 

India- U.S friendship

Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii and the first Hindu American elected to Congress, has been a consistent advocate for strengthening India-U.S. ties. She has met with PM Modi on multiple occasions, including during his visits to the United States in 2014 and 2019. In 2014, Gabbard presented Modi with her personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting her deep appreciation for India's spiritual heritage.

Howdy, Modi

In 2019, although Gabbard was unable to attend the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston due to prior commitments related to her presidential campaign, she extended a warm welcome to PM Modi through a video message. She emphasized the importance of the partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic development, and security. 

First hindu American at cabinet-level position

Gabbard's appointment as DNI marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Pacific Islander American and first Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position in the U.S. government. Her longstanding support for India-U.S. relations is expected to further bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations.The recent meeting between PM Modi and DNI Gabbard underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to strengthen their strategic partnership and collaborate on issues of mutual interest.