'Direct Dialogue Happening At The Very Top': Tulsi Gabbard Weighs In On India-US Tariff Debate

Last Updated:March 17, 2025, 15:02 IST

Tulsi Gabbard said that both Trump and PM Modi are looking out for what is in the best interest of their country’s economy.

Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of Intelligence of the United States. (ANI)

Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of Intelligence of the United States, currently on a multi-nation visit, including India, stated on Monday that India and the US engage in direct, high-level discussions regarding tariffs.

Speaking to the news agency ANI, Gabbard said that both President  Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are looking for a “good solution" regarding tariffs.

“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, but also at the different secretaries and the cabinet members is going to be key to laying down what that path forward really looks like. And I personally am excited because there’s keen interest in the private sector here in India and in the United States," she said.

Tulsi Gabbard said that both Trump and PM Modi are looking out for what is in the best interest of their country’s economy.

“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 of our economic relationship and I’m glad to see that they’re looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way when we look at tariffs," she said.

“Obviously Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India’s economy and the opportunities available for the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests and the interests of the American people " she added.

Obviously Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India’s economy and the opportunities available for the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests and the interests of the American people " the Director of Intelligence of the US added.

Tulsi Gabbard also emphasised the friendship of PM Modi and Trump saying that their friendship is the foundation on which the two countries will build on their partnership.

“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. It was a very great opportunity for them to share their joint vision for the US-India partnership and the opportunity for us to continue to strengthen that partnership," she said.

Tulsi further said that her meetings with Indian officials and intelligence officials aimed to strengthen the US-India partnership, seeking opportunities for growth and cooperation in areas like trade, defence, education, and intelligence.

Addressing the speculation about US involvement in regime change in India, Tulsi Gabbard said, “To my knowledge, the answer is no." However, she did express concern over an incident where US intelligence professionals engaged in unprofessional and explicit conversations on a secure chat network, highlighting a need for accountability within the intelligence community.

US Director of Intelligence emphasised Trump’s commitment to combating Islamist terrorism, a threat that affects not only America but also countries like India, Bangladesh, Syria, Israel, and others in the Middle East. Gabbard noted that PM Modi shares this concern and that the two nations will collaborate to address and defeat this threat.

“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. We see how it has been impacting people here in India and 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," she said.

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