'Aloha' and 'Namaste': Tulsi Gabbard bridges cultures for global diplomacy at Raisina Dialogue

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, United States highlighted the significance of cultural values in her keynote address. She opened her speech with ‘Aloha’ and ‘Namaste’, emphasising that these are not mere greetings but powerful affirmations of mutual respect and divine recognition.

“I wanted to start our conversation today by greeting you with ‘Aloha’ and ‘Namaste’. Contrary to popular belief, these words are not just greetings. They actually both have very deep, spiritual, powerful meanings that, for me, have been at the core and heart of my life and are what I hope will inspire meaningful dialogue and conversations here at Raisina. When we greet each other with ‘Aloha’ and ‘Namaste’, what it really means is that I am coming to you and greeting you with respect,” Gabbard said.

“It is a recognition of the eternal divine spirit that exists within each of our hearts. It’s a reminder that we are all connected, that we are all children of God, regardless of our race or religion, ethnicity, politics, our background, where we come from, our status in society. By greeting us in this manner, we are opening the door to a much more meaningful and deeper exchange that gets past the divisiveness and the partisanship that too often poisons the conversations that we have. It’s a critical reminder that what we share in common is far more powerful than that which sets us apart…,” she said.

By invoking these values, Gabbard advocated for diplomacy that moves beyond divisiveness and partisanship urging global leaders to recognise shared humanity as the foundation of cooperation.

At a time when global politics is often marred by ideological divides and competing national interests, the principles of cultural diplomacy offer a refreshing perspective. The invocation of Aloha and Namaste at the Raisina Dialogue reflects how deeply rooted cultural values can serve as bridges between nations fostering an environment of mutual respect and meaningful engagement.

Spiritual foundation of Aloha and Namaste

Both Aloha (Hawaiian) and Namaste (Sanskrit) go beyond mere greetings. Aloha embodies love, peace, compassion and mutual respect—an ethos that has defined Hawaiian culture for centuries. Similarly, Namaste signifies a recognition of the divine presence within each individual fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness. These shared values transcend linguistic and geographical barriers making them powerful tools for diplomacy.

Cultural values as diplomatic tools

Cultural diplomacy—the practice of using cultural elements to foster dialogue—has played a crucial role in international relations. India has long leveraged its soft power, from yoga and Ayurveda to Bollywood and spirituality, to build diplomatic ties. Similarly, the US has employed cultural exchanges, art and music diplomacy to bridge gaps. The fusion of Hawaiian and Indian values in diplomatic rhetoric signals a recognition that cultural principles can shape political conversations in ways that traditional diplomacy often fails to achieve.

The relationship between India and Japan is a prime example of cultural values strengthening diplomatic ties. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and shared civilisational connections, the two nations have maintained close relations that extend beyond cultural admiration into economic and strategic partnerships. The reverence for Buddhist teachings has not only provided a historical foundation but also strengthened modern collaborations in different fields.

Another significant example is Gandhian nonviolence and its impact on India-US relations. Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa (nonviolence) deeply resonated with civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., establishing a moral bridge between India and the US.

India’s promotion of Yoga as a form of soft power diplomacy further illustrates the effectiveness of cultural values in international relations. Recognising Yoga’s universal appeal, India successfully championed the global recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the United Nations. This initiative not only highlights India’s cultural heritage but also fosters international unity through health and well-being demonstrating how cultural values transcend geopolitical boundaries.

Future of cultural diplomacy

As geopolitical tensions rise, the need for a diplomacy that prioritises mutual respect and deeper understanding becomes ever more urgent. The infusion of cultural and spiritual principles in international relations as exemplified by Gabbard’s address offers a path toward more meaningful and lasting global partnerships. By embracing the essence of ‘Aloha’ and ‘Namaste’, nations can move beyond transactional diplomacy toward genuine, human-centred dialogue. In an increasingly fragmented world, such an approach might just be the key to forging unity amid diversity.