Trump elects pro-India Mike Waltz as national security advisor for second term

Presidentelect Donald Trump is expected to appoint Michael Waltz a Republican from Florida as his National Security Adviser for the Trump 20 administration according to sources familiar with the developments as reported by ANIMike Waltz has been a strong advocate for strengthening USIndia relations repeatedly emphasising Indias importance to the United States He has spoken on multiple occasions about the significance of a robust partnership between the two nations particularly in the context of security and defenceLast year Waltz led a bipartisan American Congressional delegation to India where he attended Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day address at the Red Fort in 2023 During his visit he praised the Prime Ministers vision for a developed India by 2047 and reiterated that the US would work with India on the governments Make in India initiative As per ANI Waltz remarked that the close cooperation between both countries highlighted the growing strength of their relationshipWaltz a former defence policy director under Secretaries of Defence Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates has also expressed concerns over rising aggression from China particularly towards India According to ANI he warned that Chinas actions including its aggressive stance on the borders and issues with Pakistan posed a threat to India emphasising the need for the US and India to work together to counter such aggressionIn his capacity as cochair of the India Caucus Waltz has been a proponent of Indiarsquos role in global security He has previously stated that India as a nuclear power with a growing military and toptier space programme is an essential ally for the US in addressing threats such as terrorism in Afghanistan and Chinarsquos expansionist policies in Asia According to ANI he emphasised that Indiarsquos strategic position was crucial in monitoring Afghanistan and deterring Chinas southern expansionWaltz has also been instrumental in legislative efforts to strengthen USIndia defence ties In June 2023 along with other US Congressmen he introduced bipartisan legislation to fasttrack US weapon sales to India which was seen as a step towards deepening security cooperation between the two nations As reported by ANI Waltz stressed that enhancing the USIndia defence partnership would solidify Indias role as a key security provider in AsiaDuring Trumprsquos first term significant agreements were signed to bolster IndiaUS defence relations including the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement COMCASA and the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement LEMOA These agreements enhanced military cooperation and logistical support between the two countries contributing to the strengthening of bilateral tiesDespite his positive view on IndiaUS relations Waltz has raised concerns about Indias ongoing economic ties with Russia particularly the import of Russian oil He has suggested applying pressure on both India and China to reduce their economic dependence on Russia although his overall stance on India remains largely supportiveAs per ANI Waltz has said that the USIndia relationship should be upgraded from a strategic partnership to a fullfledged alliance similar to the USrsquos alliances with NATO Japan and South Korea He believes this stronger alliance would play a crucial role in ensuring security in the 21st centuryThe National Security Adviser is a key role in the US administration responsible for advising the president on national security matters The position does not require Senate confirmation and Waltzrsquos appointment is expected to be confirmed soon