Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, met with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today in a significant step toward strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two nations.

The talks, held in South Block, Delhi, focused on enhancing bilateral ties amid Gabbard’s two-and-a-half-day visit to India—the first high-level trip by a Trump administration official since Donald Trump’s second term began.

Sources indicate that Singh and Gabbard explored avenues to bolster intelligence sharing and security collaboration, aligning with the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The meeting follows Gabbard’s discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday, where similar themes were deliberated. Gabbard’s visit, part of a multi-nation Indo-Pacific tour, underscores Washington’s intent to fortify alliances, with India as a key partner.

Her itinerary culminates tomorrow with an address at the Raisina Dialogue, where she will further engage with Indian and global leaders. This dialogue builds on her prior meeting with PM Narendra Modi in February, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Indo-US relations.