In a display of mutual respect and optimism, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard heralded the enduring partnership between the United States and India during her address at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The event, held from March 17-19, gathered leaders and thinkers from across the Indo-Pacific to address critical geopolitical and economic challenges.
Gabbard, visibly moved by her return to India, began her speech with a heartfelt “Jai Shree Krishna,” emphasizing the warmth and rich cultural heritage that the country embodies. “It’s been too long since I was here,” she remarked, adding that the deep-rooted history and vibrant democratic traditions of India continue to forge a powerful bond between the two nations.
#RaisinaDialogue2025 l "The partnership between our two countries has been strong for decades and under the leadership of two great leaders and true great friends. I'm confident that this partnership will continue to grow and strengthen," says US Director of National Intelligence… pic.twitter.com/0D3GHSMrMF
— DD India (@DDIndialive) March 18, 2025
Throughout her address, the former US official underscored the significance of respectful dialogue, highlighting how greetings such as “Aloha” and “Namaste” go beyond simple salutations. “These words are a recognition of the eternal divine spirit within us all,” she explained. By invoking these greetings, Gabbard stressed the importance of transcending differences in race, religion, politics, and background to foster a deeper, more meaningful exchange.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his invitation, Gabbard recalled the positive momentum set in motion by the joint statement following President Donald Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Modi. “The partnership between our two nations has been strong for decades, built on shared values of peace, freedom, security, and prosperity,” she said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I’m confident that this friendship will continue to grow and strengthen.”
Gabbard also emphasized the critical nature of dialogues like the Raisina Conference, which she described as an essential forum for discussing “the most timely and pressing issues” of our time. She warned that the current global environment—marked by regional conflicts and the ominous proximity of nuclear peril as indicated by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ doomsday clock—calls for resolute, united action.
Reflecting on her own upbringing in the Indo-Pacific, Gabbard shared personal insights from her experiences in American Samoa and Hawaii, noting that these early influences deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and the nuanced complexities of international relations. “Ensuring peace and stability in this vast and critical region is essential to our collective security and economic prosperity,” she asserted.
Addressing the challenges of contemporary warfare, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Gabbard recalled President Trump’s commitment during his campaign to restore peace and prevent further escalation of hostilities. Despite facing intense criticism and political attacks, she maintained that the American mandate for peace remains clear and resolute—a message that resonates across continents.
The Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, continues to serve as a vital platform for forging robust international partnerships and tackling the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. As global leaders and policymakers reconvene after the conference, the call for united action in promoting peace, security, and prosperity remains as urgent as ever.
