Newly appointed US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday revealed the profound impact of the Bhagavad Gita on her life and career. Gabbard, who has been a long-time admirer of the ancient Hindu text, emphasised how Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna have been a source of strength and guidance for her, whether in the midst of war zones or facing the complex challenges of her current role.
In an interview with ANI, Gabbard said: “Whether serving in war zones in different parts of the world or the challenges that we face now, it is (Lord) Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to in the best of times and the worst of times.”
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Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the US Congress, has often talked about her deep connection with the Bhagavad Gita.
In 2020, she urged Hindu students to explore the concepts of Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga as outlined in the Gita, emphasiding the importance of service to society as a path to true success. Her daily practice includes meditation, yoga, and reading the Gita.
On Trump’s tariff war
Tulsi Gabbard, currently visiting India as part of a multi-nation trip, also emphasised the importance of direct dialogue between India and the United States on tariff issues.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the think-tank Observer Research Foundation’s annual Raisina Dialogues in Delhi, she highlighted opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Gabbard noted that conversations with Indian officials revealed optimism about enhancing economic relations.
“There is significant potential for strengthening our economic partnership. It’s encouraging to see a more positive outlook on this issue rather than focusing solely on tariffs,” she said, acknowledging that both PM Narendra Modi and President Trump are prioritising their respective nations’ economic interests but are also working towards mutually beneficial solutions.
“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. 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.
Gabbar also praised the leadership of PM Modi and Trump, describing them as pragmatic leaders seeking effective solutions. Gabbard pointed out that high-level dialogues, along with discussions among cabinet members and secretaries, are crucial for charting a forward path. She also expressed excitement about the private sector’s keen interest in fostering bilateral economic engagement.
“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 lay 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.
Additionally, Gabbard highlighted the strong personal rapport between PM Modi and Trump as a solid foundation for deepening the US-India partnership. She referred to PM Modi’s earlier visit to the White House as instrumental in setting a collaborative tone for future engagements.
Reflecting on her meetings with Indian officials, Gabbard underscored the broad scope of cooperation, spanning intelligence, commerce, trade, defense, and education. She concluded by expressing optimism about the immense opportunities available for advancing the US-India relationship across multiple domains.
“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.
“The meetings that I’ve had here with different Indian government officials and intelligence officials really is set on that foundation of how we can continue to integrate, how we can continue to strengthen our relationship, not only of course in my area of intelligence, but we’re looking at commerce and trade and defense and education. There’s nothing but opportunity that I see here in the US-India partnership,” she added.
(With inputs from ANI)
