Tulsi Gabbard in India next week; who is she meeting
What's the story
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard will visit India during her multi-nation tour across the Indo-Pacific.
Her schedule includes Japan, Thailand, and a short layover in France before arriving back in Washington DC.
Gabbard announced her purpose on X, saying she wants "to build strong relationships and open lines of communication."
First visit
Gabbard's 1st visit to India as DNI
This is Gabbard's first visit to India since she became the eighth Senate-confirmed and first female combat veteran Director of National Intelligence in the second Trump administration.
Before her Asia tour, she will meet intelligence community partners and leaders at the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in Honolulu.
She will also visit American troops conducting training exercises there.
Meetings
Gabbard to meet with intelligence chiefs
On her India visit, Gabbard will likely meet intelligence chiefs of Quad nations Australia and Japan and key G7 countries.
The meeting of the intelligence chiefs will be hosted by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and heads of R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing) and the Intelligence Bureau, among others.
Some will also attend the Raisina Dialogue with some of the intelligence chiefs from March 17-19.
Focus areas
Gabbard's visit focuses on intelligence-sharing and defense cooperation
Gabbard's visit is likely to focus on intelligence sharing, defense collaboration, and regional security between India and the US.
The two countries have been steadily deepening their ties, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where they have mutual concerns about stability and security.
Gabbard has advocated India's interests in the US throughout her career and has visited the country several times in recent years.