U.S. Intel Chief to Attend Global Security Conclave in India

The U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, will attend a security conclave in New Delhi next week, alongside officials from Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE. This event will focus on various global security issues, including terrorism and regional conflicts. It also holds potential for improving strained India-Canada relations following recent diplomatic challenges.

Next week, top intelligence and security officials, including the U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, will convene in New Delhi for a significant security conclave coinciding with the Raisina Dialogue. This marks Gabbard’s inaugural high-level visit to India since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January. Other attendees include the UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Canadian Security Intelligence Service director Daniel Rogers, highlighting a broad international focus on security matters.

Since 2022, India’s National Security Council Secretariat has organized this conclave, which emphasizes critical issues such as terrorism, transnational crimes, cybersecurity, and geopolitical conflicts, particularly involving Ukraine and West Asia. Australian, New Zealand, and UAE officials are also anticipated participants, complementing the diverse representation at the event.

Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, initiated this platform for discussing pressing global security challenges, facilitating vital dialogues among senior security officials. Tulsi Gabbard is expected to arrive in India from Thailand on March 15, leading into these discussions that have traditionally remained confidential.

Gabbard recently completed a visit to Germany for the Munich Security Conference and is on a multi-nation trip across the Indo-Pacific, including Japan and Thailand. She remarked, “Building strong relationships, understanding, and open lines of communication are vital to achieving President Trump’s objectives of peace, freedom, and prosperity.”

The upcoming conclave may provide a renewed opportunity for dialogue between Canadian and Indian officials following heightened tensions and a previous meeting in Singapore that led to diplomatic strains. India-Canada relations are under significant stress following accusations from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking Indian agents to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India has firmly denied. The presence of the Canadian intelligence chief at this conclave could signal potential steps toward reconciliation.

The forthcoming security conclave in New Delhi, set against the backdrop of the Raisina Dialogue, represents a fundamental international gathering focused on vital security issues such as terrorism and cybersecurity. Gabbard’s attendance signifies a crucial moment for U.S.-India relations, while also possibly serving as a stepping stone for mending ties between India and Canada following recent diplomatic tensions. Overall, the conclave will facilitate essential discussions among top officials to address pressing global security challenges.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com