'Direct Dialogue Underway at Top': Tulsi Gabbard on Trump's Tariff Threat to India

New Delhi: The United States and India engaged in a direct dialogue at the highest levels to resolve tariff disputes, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said during her visit to India. She emphasized that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump aimed to find a "good solution" to trade tensions.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the think tank Observer Research Foundation's annual Raisina Dialogues in the capital, Gabbard said, “What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I’ve spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see. There is more potential for strengthening our economic relationship.”

She acknowledged that tariffs had been a point of contention but insisted that leaders from both nations were seeking a way forward. “Obviously, Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India’s economy and its people. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States,” she said.

'Direct Dialogue Underway at Top'

Highlighting the close ties between the two leaders, Gabbard asserted, “What I see as a great positive is that we have two leaders who have common sense and who are looking for good solutions. This direct dialogue is happening at the very top in both of our countries.”

She stressed that collaboration extended beyond Modi and Trump, with officials and cabinet members actively working on strengthening economic ties. “There’s keen interest in the private sector here in India and in the United States,” she added.

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Gabbard also pointed to PM Modi and Trump’s personal friendship as a strong foundation for further cooperation. “The tone and the relationship with our new administration under President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was set during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the White House. As you know, they are already good friends,” she said.

She further stated that meetings with the Indian government and intelligence officials focused on broadening collaboration in intelligence, commerce, trade, defense, and education. “There’s nothing but opportunity that I see here in the US-India partnership,” she added.

Beyond economic and strategic discussions, Gabbard spoke about her personal admiration for Indian philosophy. She shared that she had been deeply inspired by the teachings of the Mahabharata, particularly Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna.