On Monday, United States Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in the national capital, where they shared pleasantries and gifts.
PM Modi gifted Gabbard Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges) gathered during the Maha Kumbh, along with a handmade mala (prayer beads).
While presenting the Ganga Jal, PM Modi told her about the importance of the holy water, revealing information on the world's largest religious event. "This is the water drawn from Maha Kumbh, where approximately 66 crore people took a dip of faith during the auspicious 45-day window at the Triveni Sangam, the union of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati," Modi told Gabbard. A clearly elated Gabbard replied with a warm, "Thank you very much."
As a return gift, Gabbard gave PM Modi a handmade mala, representing the cultural exchange and respect between the two leaders.
The meeting was conducted hours after India had brought up the matter of anti-India and Khalistani terror groups operating in the United States. Earlier on the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had apprised US Director of National Intelligence of India's concerns over pro-Khalistani elements operating in the US, including prohibited organisations such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Singh requested the US government to act strongly against the groups.
A formal statement emphasized the strategic security talks between the two, citing the significance of their emerging partnership. "Rajnath Singh and Gabbard reviewed the excellent progress made in bilateral military exercises, strategic convergence, the convergence of defense industrial networks, and the sharing of maritime intelligence," the statement stated, emphasizing the significance of defense cooperation in the emerging relationship between India and the United States.
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