Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu U.S. Congresswoman and newly appointed Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump, has been a staunch advocate for the protection of Hindu minorities in South Asia. Throughout her political career, Gabbard has spoken out against the oppression of Hindus and other religious groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh, calling attention to their historical and ongoing struggles.
Gabbard’s advocacy for religious minorities stems from her own Hindu background. Raised in a Hindu family, Gabbard raised awareness about Hindu persecution, introducing a 2021 resolution urging protection in Bangladesh.
Hindus & religious minorities in Bangladesh continue to be targeted & persecuted, as they have been since 1971 when the Pakistani army systematically murdered, raped & drove from their homes millions of Bengali Hindus because of their religion & ethnicity. pic.twitter.com/4DVWibzrkT
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) April 2, 2021
In her resolution, Gabbard highlighted atrocities committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, accusing the Pakistani military of mass killings. She pointed out that up to 3 million people, many Hindus, were targeted by the Pakistani army. Gabbard has also criticized Pakistan for harboring terrorism and allowing militant groups to operate against India. As co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, she condemned Pakistan’s support for such groups and pushed for reduced U.S. military assistance.
Gabbard co-sponsored the “Stop Arming Terrorists Act” to end U.S. funding to countries supporting terrorism, including Pakistan. She has also raised concerns about rising violence against religious minorities in India. Gabbard urged U.S. authorities to address hate crimes and protect minority communities both at home and abroad.
Her appointment as DNI brings her advocacy for human rights and national security to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. Gabbard’s knowledge of South Asian issues and personal commitment to Hinduism positions her to influence U.S. relations with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
 under President Donald Trump, has been a staunch advocate for the protection of Hindu minorities in South Asia.){kind=link}