Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director: What are his views on India?

US senate on Thursday confirmed Indian-origin Kash Patel, as the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director.

After the confirmation, Patel in a social media post on X gave warning to those trying to harm America.

"Let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI," Patel said.

"We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet," he added.

Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined all 47 Democrats in voting no on Patel’s nomination despite her earlier declaration that she would vote against the confirmation.

Who is Kash Patel?
Petel, the 44-year-old American lawyer and former federal prosecutor, is the first individual of Hindu and Indian American heritage to assume the FBI's leadership. Patel, a native of Garden City, New York, was born to parents from Gujarat, India.

His family's journey began in the early 1970s when they left Uganda due to ethnic discrimination and settled in Canada. They later relocated to the USA after his father accepted a position as a financial officer in an aviation firm.

While his professional achievements are well-known, particularly his firm position on Russia and allegiance to former President Donald Trump, he maintains privacy regarding his personal affairs.

Patel's views on India
Patel stands in contrast to predominant American media perspectives regarding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Major Western news organisations, including The New York Times and CNN, presented critical coverage of the temple's consecration, viewing it as a symbol of growing Hindu nationalism.

In response, Patel challenged these media organisations for their limited focus on the mosque demolition dispute, whilst disregarding the site's centuries-old Hindu heritage.

"To bring things really up to date, the opening of Ram's Temple, when PM Modi went there, all the Washington newspapers only covered the last 50 years of history. They forgot the 500 preceding years. Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years," Patel said.

“But the Washington establishment forgot that part of history to put on what I believe is a disinformation campaign that’s harmful to India and the PM’s position. They’re using that because I think they liken Trump and Modi as similar figures, and the establishment class in Washington doesn’t want that to be the case," he added.

During Trump's visit to India for a significant event in Ahmedabad, Patel ensured the speech included references to Sachin Tendulkar and Vivekananda, which resonated with the Indian audience.

At the US Senate confirmation proceedings, Patel arrived with his family members - parents, sister, and girlfriend Alexis Wilkins.

Before the proceedings began, Patel demonstrated traditional Hindu respect by touching his parents' feet. He also addressed his parents with 'Jai Shri Krishna' whilst introducing them to the Senate Judiciary Committee.