Incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz “Would be Good” for US-India relations

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President-elect Donald Trump has selected Congressman Mike Waltz (R-Florida), the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, as his National Security Advisor for his second term. Waltz is set to succeed Jake Sullivan in the role on January 20, 2025.

Waltz, alongside Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna (D-California), played a pivotal role in inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on June 22, 2023. Following the announcement of Waltz’s selection, Khanna expressed confidence in the choice, stating that Waltz “would be good,” for U.S.-India relations.

At a White House Press briefing recently, Sullivan said, “Congressman Waltz – who’s been named to be my replacement – he’s somebody that I have engaged with in the past. I respect his service to this country in uniform. He’s put his life on the line. I respect his service in Congress.”

The outgoing National Security Advisor acknowledged policy differences with Waltz but emphasized his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition. “I obviously don’t see eye to eye on every issue, but I am very much looking forward to engaging him over these next 60 days, as I said, so that we can have this smooth handoff,” Sullivan remarked.

On May 24, 2023, both Khanna and Waltz, as co-Chairs of the India Caucus, jointly urged then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy to extend the formal invitation to Prime Minister Modi, underscoring bipartisan efforts to strengthen U.S.-India ties.

“As State Dinners have come to signify the President’s utmost respect for visiting heads of state, granting a joint address to Congress is a commensurate honor for the leader of the world’s largest democracy and perhaps the most critical partner to countering China in the 21^st century,” the letter by Waltz and Khanna noted making a case for the Speaker to invite PM Modi.

(Used under special arrangement with SAH)