The growing presence of Hindus in key positions within American national security circles signals a shift in both political representation and trust. The appointment of figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel to high-profile national security roles reflects not only their individual qualifications but also a broader acceptance of Hindu Americans in critical decision-making spheres. Of course some will not be satisfied, claiming it’s all too little – but they just don’t know when they’ve won.
For decades, Hindu Americans have largely been seen as a politically quiet, professionally successful demographic. Their representation in sectors like medicine, technology, and business was acknowledged, but their influence in policy, especially in national security, remained limited. The ascendance of figures like Gabbard and Patel challenges that old narrative. It highlights the growing trust the American establishment has in individuals of Hindu faith to shape foreign policy, defence strategy, and intelligence operations.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Congresswoman and military veteran, was the first Hindu to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Her tenure was marked by a pragmatic foreign policy stance, a strong emphasis on counterterrorism, and a focus on national security. Though not of Indian origin, her embrace of Hindu philosophy and identity set her apart. Her positions on issues like the U.S. military presence in the Middle East and engagement with India have aligned her closely with realist and nationalist approaches in Washington.
Kash Patel, a former top intelligence official and advisor in the Trump administration, played a key role in shaping U.S. counterterrorism policy. His rise from a background in law and national security to some of the most sensitive roles in government is a testament to the confidence placed in Hindu Americans in areas where trust is paramount. Patel’s involvement in intelligence reform and security operations demonstrates that Hindu Americans are not just participants in American governance but are influencing its strategic direction.
My own experience, after 9/11, being asked by the UK Foreign Office to be part of a think tank group on involving ethnic minorities in foreign policy formulation highlights the trust placed upon us. We are neither Western nor Eastern. We are global and Indian and Hindu.
Their prominence underscores a broader transformation: Hindu Americans are no longer seen merely as contributors to economic growth but as key players in shaping U.S. global strategy. The West’s trust in them is reflective of an evolving relationship with India, as Washington deepens its strategic ties with New Delhi. It is also an indication that Hindu values—emphasizing duty (dharma), resilience, and strategic foresight—are being recognized as assets in governance and security.
This moment draws an interesting parallel to Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. In his address, he introduced Hinduism as a faith of inclusivity, wisdom, and strength. He shattered stereotypes about India and its spiritual traditions, positioning Hinduism as a philosophy aligned with universal progress. Today, more than a century later, the integration of Hindus into America’s most sensitive power structures reaffirms that message—Hindus are not outsiders; they are integral to the modern West.
The appointments of Gabbard and Patel are milestones in the evolving role of Hindus in America’s political fabric. They reflect not just representation but a growing strategic reliance on Hindu Americans to guide national security in an era of global uncertainty.
