🦹Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and a veteran, has made a significant leap into the US intelligence community. Recently confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump, Gabbard now oversees the work of 18 US intelligence agencies, marking a pivotal moment in her political and military career.
ꦛPM Modi, who is on his official visit to the United States, met DNI Gabbard Tursday morning and discussed the strong friendship between the US and India.
༒As per Modi, Gabbard has been a “strong votary” of the ties between India-US friendship. The Prime Minister shared a glimpse of the meeting on his social media platform and congratulated Gabbard.
Tulsi Gabbard – a brief profile
꧟The 43-year-old Iraq war veteran, Tulsi Gabbard, was born in a multicultural family that embraced Hinduism. In 2015, she married cinematographer Abraham Williams.
The wedding, held in Hawaii, was done in Hindu style amid chanting of Vedic mantras and rituals. BJP ꩵleader Ram Madhav attended her wedding and brought a special message and gift from PM Modi for the newlyweds.
Political career
A former representative from Hawaii, she first made waves in US politics when she was elected to Congress 🐼in 2012. As the first Hindu American elected to the US House of Representatives, Gabbard attracted attention for her unique background, her outspoken views on foreign policy, and her staunch support for the rights of Hindus globally, particularly in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
ওHer political career took a turn in 2022 when she left the Democratic Party. In the years that followed, she became a vocal critic of US foreign policy, particularly its approach to Ukraine and Palestine.
෴Her independent stance caught the attention of President Trump, who, shortly after his election in 2024, nominated her for the DNI role.
A groundbreaking appointment as DNI
🐷Despite her lack of formal intelligence experience, Gabbard’s appointment as DNI has been hailed by supporters who view her as an independent thinker with a track record of challenging the status quo. Her confirmation followed a 52-48 vote in the Senate, with strong Republican backing but scepticism from Democrats, who questioned her past positions on Russia, Syria, and Edward Snowden. Trump’s endorsement of Gabbard, calling her “fearless” and committed to championing constitutional rights, further solidified her nomination.
Controversies over her appointment as DNI
꧟Gabbard’s confirmation was not without controversy. Her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad drew significant criticism, as did her past praise of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified surveillance information. Furthermore, her past statements that echoed Russian perspectives on the Ukraine war raised concerns about her stance on national security issues.
🐠Despite these controversies, Gabbard remains resolute in her beliefs. She has defended her meeting with Assad, claiming it was an opportunity to challenge him on human rights abuses, and has distanced herself from the pro-Russian narrative, though her past remarks have left questions lingering about her approach to intelligence matters.
A special relationship with India
🐲Gabbard’s connection to India is not just political but deeply personal. Raised in a family that converted to Hinduism, Gabbard has always embraced her Hindu faith, even taking her oath of office in the House on a Bhagavad Gita. This connection has made her a prominent figure in the Indian-American community.
In fact, her bond with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 🌄is widely recognised. Gabbard has been an outspoken supporter of India on various issues, including her condemnation of Pakistan’s harbouring of terrorists and her vocal opposition to the US government's decision to ban Modi’s visa following the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Gabbard has also openly criticised Pakistan for providing a haven to terrorists. “We stand with the people of India in condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, and send our condolences and prayers to the victims’ families. We must all stand up against these jihadists and their ideology,” Indian Express🌱 quoted Gabbard as she said in the wake of the Pulwama attack of 2019.
♔Her personal relationship with Modi was evident when she met him in Washington D.C. in 2024, shortly after her confirmation. In the meeting, they discussed the strengthening of the India-US relationship, with Modi congratulating Gabbard for her new position and acknowledging her longstanding advocacy for the two nations' friendship.
