Mike Waltz, India Caucus Head, Named Trump's National Security Adviser

Photo : X/@michaelgwaltz

In one of the most significant appointments for India in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration, Trump announced Mike Waltz, a Congressman from Florida and co-chair of the India Caucus, as his new National Security Adviser. Waltz’s appointment is seen as a key move in strengthening US-India relations as he brings a wealth of experience in defense and foreign policy.

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At 50, Waltz is a retired Army colonel who served as a Green Beret, one of the elite special forces units of the US Army. His military background and extensive political experience make him a strong candidate for the role of National Security Adviser, which does not require Senate confirmation. Waltz has served as a member of the US House of Representatives since 2019 and is known for his assertive stance on foreign policy issues. 

A vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy, Waltz has been a member of several influential committees during his time in Congress, including the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee. He has been particularly outspoken on the need for Europe to do more in support of Ukraine and has called for a more robust US approach to backing the country in its conflict with Russia. Waltz has also been critical of the Biden administration's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021, calling it a flawed move with long-term consequences.

Waltz has praised President Trump for pushing NATO allies to increase their defense spending but has not echoed Trump’s earlier calls for the US to pull out of the alliance. He emphasized that it is possible for allies to maintain strong relationships while having tough conversations about shared responsibilities, reflecting his pragmatic approach to international relations.

In addition to his work on global defense and foreign policy issues, Waltz is also an active member of the Republican China task force. He has raised concerns over the preparedness of the US military, particularly regarding potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region, an area of growing strategic importance.

Waltz’s willingness to serve in a senior role in the new administration has been well-documented, and he was considered a leading candidate for the role of Secretary of Defense. As a co-chair of the India Caucus, Waltz has championed stronger US-India ties, a relationship that is expected to be a cornerstone of US foreign policy in the coming years.

Trump has been making swift moves to assemble his administration, announcing key positions in rapid succession. Other notable appointments include Susan Wiles as White House Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller as Senior Adviser, and Tom Homan as “border czar.” Trump’s quick succession of appointments demonstrates his intent to hit the ground running as he prepares for the next term in office.

With his extensive military background, legislative experience, and strong focus on international security, Waltz’s appointment as National Security Adviser is expected to have significant implications for US foreign policy, particularly in areas such as defense, international relations, and global security strategy.