PM Modi Begins US Visit By Meeting Tulsi Gabbard, First Hindu To Head US Intelligence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (13 February) landed in Washington DC, where he was welcomed by Indian diaspora.

"A warm reception in the winter chill! Despite the cold weather, the Indian diaspora in Washington DC has welcomed me with a very special welcome. My gratitude to them," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The first official meeting PM Modi had in the US was with the United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, who was sworn-in to the position just hours earlier.

"Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary," PM Modi said on X.

After a lengthy Senate confirmation process, Tulsi Gabbard, who was the first Hindu US Congresswoman, was sworn-in by US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the presence of President Donald Trump in the White House.

With her swearing-in as US DNI, she has also become the first Hindu to serve as the US intelligence head.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement, the discussions between PM Modi and Gabbard "touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing".

"They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order," the statement added.

PM Modi is on a two day visit to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders following Trump's historic electoral victory and inauguration in January.

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