‘Threat To Global Security’: Tulsi Gabbard Sounds Alarm On Pakistan Sponsored ‘Islamist Terrorism’

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has unequivocally condemned Pakistan-sponsored attacks against India, labelling them as “Islamist terrorism”. Gabbard, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, has sounded the alarm on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, stressing its massive impact on global security. She asserted that this menace poses a direct threat not only to India and the US but also to several countries in the Middle East. Gabbard also reiterated the United States' commitment to combating Islamist terrorism. During her ongoing visit to India, Gabbard underlined the strong partnership between the US and India, pressing for the shared objectives of defeating terrorism and promoting regional stability. She also shed light on the urgent need for collective action against the menace, which has plagued nations like India, the US, and others. 

Gabbard, who arrived in India on March 16, stated that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are working in tandem to address the menace of Islamist terrorism. "President Trump, in his first administration and the presidency that continues now, has been very clear about his commitment to defeating this threat of Islamist terrorism that has plagued us, has and continues to pose a threat to American people," Gabbard said in an exclusive interview with news agency ANI.

Shared Commitment to Defeating Terrorism

During her meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Gabbard reiterated that PM Narendra Modi and President Trump are resolute in their determination to combat Islamist terrorism. When questioned about the Trump administration's stance on repeated terror attacks on India from Pakistan, Gabbard responded, "President Trump, through his first administration and he continues now, has been very clear about his commitment to defeating this threat of Islamist terrorism... We see how it has been impacting people here in India and in Bangladesh, currently ongoing in Syria, Israel and different countries in the Middle East. This is a threat that PM Modi also takes seriously and one where leaders of our two countries will work together to identify and defeat that threat."

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Allegations of Regime Change, Issue of Khalistanis

Tulsi Gabbard also addressed allegations of US involvement in regime change efforts in India, categorically denying any such involvement. "I can tell you to my knowledge, the answer is no." However, she did reveal an incident of unprofessional conduct within intelligence circles, where officials were found engaging in "highly unprofessional and sexually explicit conversation" on an intelligence-based chat network.

Meanwhile, India expressed its concerns regarding anti-India activities conducted by the Khalistani organisation SFJ (Sikh For Justice) in America during Gabbard's meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. India urged the US administration to take strong action against the unlawful organisation.

Spiritual Strength

Talking to ANI, Gabbard also shared how her spiritual journey and Hindu faith have empowered her to break glass ceilings. “Well, my own personal spiritual practice, my personal relationship with God is the centre of my life... And so in different times of my life, whether serving in war zones in different parts of the world or the challenges that we face now, it is Krishna's teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to.”

Also Read | India Raises Khalistani Extremism Issue in America | Inside Details of Rajnath and Tulsi Gabbard Meeting

Strengthening US-India Ties

The US Director of National Intelligence's visit to India is seen as an important step in strengthening US-India ties, with the two nations committed to deepening their partnership on issues like counter-terrorism, trade, and security. As Gabbard noted, “The ties between the US and India go very far back and (in Trump's second term) we are continuing to see the strengthening of that partnership and recognising the mutual interest of both countries – centred around peace, prosperity, freedom, and security.”

Gabbard will also address the Raisina Dialogue on March 18, where she is expected to elaborate on the US vision for strengthening Indo-Pacific security and promoting regional cooperation.