Tulsi Gabbard is a polished diplomat, not just DNI

When the words "Director of Intelligence" are uttered, in the mind of an average Indian, the images that flash instantly are that of the Director of CBI and the Director of Intelligence Bureau.

- SURENDRA KUMAR

When the words "Director of Intelligence" are uttered, in the mind of an average Indian, the images that flash instantly are that of the Director of CBI and the Director of Intelligence Bureau. Flooded with visuals of raids on suspects splashed by the media, CBI's image isn't always very flattering. And while the Director of IB might be very competent in discharging his/her duties, one rarely hears, if at all, the DIB delivering a lecture on international relations or spiritual moorings or the significance of peace on our planet.

So well groomed, well dressed, well informed and articulate Tulsi Gabbard presents a refreshingly new and charming persona for the Head of National Intelligence in America. Born in American Samoa in 1981, Tulsi Gabbard has represented the 2nd District of Hawaii in the US Congress from 2013 to 2021 and became the first American Samoan and practicing Hindu American, to be the 8th Director of National Intelligence. She was the first senior member of President Donald Trump 2.0 to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 February in Washington, DC, a few hours after her Senate confirmation. She was again the first representative of the current Trump Administration to visit India (16-18 March 2025) to attend a Conclave of intelligence heads chaired by the NSA, Ajit Doval and to participate in Raisina Dialogue 2025. She left no one in doubt that she was visiting India at the invitation of PM Modi.