NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on March 17. The two leaders discussed enhancing defence innovation, industrial cooperation, and information sharing.
Both leaders reviewed significant strides in military exercises, strategic cooperation, integration of defence industrial supply chains, and information-sharing cooperation, especially in the maritime domain.
They highlighted the importance of collaboration in land, air, maritime, and space security and reviewed progress in joint military exercises and logistics.
During the talks, Singh raised concerns about Khalistani extremists operating on US soil, specifically mentioning the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which India blames for anti-India activities.
Founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ advocates for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan. India banned the organisation in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), accusing it of promoting terrorism and secessionist activities.
The Indian government has also accused SFJ of being backed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI to destabilise the country.
Drawing from the recent Joint Statement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump, both leaders reaffirmed the growing strength of the India-US bilateral defence partnership. Singh and Gabbard emphasised that strategic security remains a vital pillar of this partnership.
“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,” Singh posted on X.
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 two leaders explored collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation and niche technologies, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual strategic interests. They also addressed enhancing interoperability and integrating defence industrial supply chains to bolster resilience and innovation.
On Sunday, Gabbard attended a security meeting with top officials worldwide as part of the Raisina Dialogue. She is the first senior official from the Trump administration to visit India.
In February, Singh met his US counterpart Pete Hegseth to discuss expanding defence cooperation. Both sides have progressed under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, focusing on co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and mobility systems.
India also recently signed a $3.5 billion deal with the US to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones to strengthen defence preparedness. Additionally, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is negotiating a deal with GE Aerospace to produce 99 F414 engines for India’s future LCA Mk-2 programme.
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to Gabbard for her admiration of Indian culture and heritage, noting that such sentiments further deepen the bonds of friendship between India and the US.
