FBI Director Kash Patel Extends Independence Day Greetings To India

FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday greeted India on its 79th Independence Day. He shared highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the Red Fort on social media to mark the celebration.

In February, the Republican-led US Senate confirmed Kashyap Pramod Vinod Patel, 44, as the ninth Director of the FBI. His appointment made him the first Indian-origin American to head the premier investigative agency.

Patel’s parents are from Gujarat. They fled Uganda to escape ethnic repression, moved to Canada, and later settled in the US. He grew up in New York, studied law, and worked as a public defender. His career took off during President Trump’s first term, when he became Pentagon Chief of Staff and later Deputy Director of National Intelligence.

India-US Security Cooperation

Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Patel in Washington. They discussed joint efforts against organised crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

Taking to X, he posted, “Great to meet @FBIDirectorKash today. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

Earlier, Patel condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that the FBI would continue to support India in its fight against terrorism.

Calling the assault ‘a reminder of the constant threats our world faces from the evils of terrorism’, he expressed condolences to the victims and praised law enforcement for their service.

Marco Rubio Wishes India on Independence Day

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended warm wishes to India. He called the India-US relationship historic and consequential.

Rubio said the two democracies share a vision for a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific, work together in critical technologies, and even extend their partnership into space.

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