Rajnath Singh (L) with Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, held talks with the United States intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, in New Delhi on Monday, focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and addressing concerns over Khalistani extremist activities in the United States.
During their meeting, both leaders emphasised the significance of the strategic security partnership between India and the US. They reviewed progress in joint military exercises, strategic cooperation, and the integration of defence industrial supply chains. The talks placed particular emphasis on information-sharing mechanisms, especially in the maritime domain, reflecting a mutual commitment to regional and global stability.
The discussions also explored avenues for collaboration in advanced defence innovations and niche technologies. Both parties acknowledged the importance of enhancing interoperability and fostering greater integration of their defence industrial bases to bolster resilience and drive innovation.
On Khalistani extremism
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to India’s concerns regarding the activities of the banned Khalistani outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), on American soil. The defence minister expressed apprehensions about SFJ’s anti-India agenda and its alleged links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He urged the US administration to take decisive action against the organization and consider designating it as a terrorist entity.
Singh highlighted incidents where SFJ targeted Hindu religious structures in the US, emphasising the need to curb such activities to maintain communal harmony. The Indian government has accused SFJ of promoting terrorism and secessionist activities, leading to its ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019.
Gabbard’s visit to India marks the first high-level engagement by a senior official of the Donald Trump administration. Arriving on a two-and-a-half-day trip, Gabbard’s itinerary included attending a conclave of global intelligence chiefs hosted in New Delhi. Prior to her meeting with the defence minister, she held discussions with national security advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on strengthening intelligence sharing and security cooperation in line with the India-US global strategic partnership.
In a social media post, Singh expressed satisfaction over the meeting. He said he was happy to meet Gabbard and discussed a wide range of issues.
Happy to have met the US Director of National Intelligence Ms @TulsiGabbard in New Delhi. We discussed a wide range of issues which include defence and information sharing, aiming to further deepen the India-US partnership. pic.twitter.com/DTUgJIgeCN
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 17, 2025
The discussions between Singh and Gabbard reflect a shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests and addressing emerging security challenges. By tackling issues such as Khalistani extremism and enhancing defence collaboration, both nations aim to reinforce their partnership, contributing to regional peace and stability.
Gabbard’s visit also underscores the importance the US places on its relationship with India, particularly in the realms of defence and intelligence. As both countries navigate complex global security dynamics, such high-level engagements are pivotal in aligning their strategic priorities and fostering a resilient partnership.
