17th March, New Delhi:
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard met India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Sunday in a high-profile security meeting attended by intelligence chiefs from around the world. This marks the first high-level visit to India by a senior official from the Donald Trump administration.
The meeting, chaired by Doval, focused on enhancing global intelligence cooperation in addressing security challenges, particularly counterterrorism and emerging technological threats. Representatives from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand, among others, participated in the closed-door discussions.
Strengthening India-US Intelligence Ties
In a separate one-on-one meeting, Doval and Gabbard discussed strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms between India and the United States. The discussions were in line with the broader India-US global strategic partnership, highlighting enhanced collaboration on security matters. Sources familiar with the issue indicated that the agenda addressed key security concerns, such as threats in the Indo-Pacific region, countering terror financing, and combating money laundering. Furthermore, topics related to extradition and immigration policies were also discussed. Indian officials expressed concerns about anti-India elements operating abroad, particularly pro-Khalistan groups active in certain countries. This topic has been a sensitive issue in India’s diplomatic engagements with several Western nations.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the agenda covered key security concerns, including threats in the Indo-Pacific region, countering terror financing, and tackling money laundering. Additionally, issues related to extradition and immigration policies were also addressed.
Indian officials raised concerns about anti-India elements operating abroad, particularly pro-Khalistan groups active in certain countries. This topic has remained a sensitive issue in India’s diplomatic engagements with several Western nations.
Global Security Issues Discussed
Apart from bilateral security cooperation, the intelligence leaders also discussed pressing global security matters, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. The security ramifications of these geopolitical events were analyzed, with a focus on intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism strategies.
Gabbard’s visit to India follows her participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany last month, her first international trip since taking office.
India-Canada Relations Amid Tensions
The participation of Canadian intelligence chief Daniel Rogers in the conference comes at a time of strained relations between India and Canada. Tensions escalated after the controversial killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India and a Khalistan sympathizer, in Canada in June 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused India of involvement in the assassination, a claim dismissed by New Delhi as “absurd.”
Relations between the two nations further soured in October 2024 when Canada linked Indian diplomats to the case, prompting India to recall its High Commissioner and expel six Canadian diplomats
Gabbard is also scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh later today as part of her official engagements in New Delhi.
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