'Eager to Collaborate on a Results-Driven Agenda': EAM Jaishankar Discusses with US NSA Michael Waltz in Washington
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Synopsis
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz in Washington D.C., where he expressed enthusiasm for working together on a proactive agenda. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing global challenges.
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar aims for a collaborative relationship with NSA Waltz.
- Discussions emphasized mutual benefits and global stability.
- The meeting marked the first high-level engagement between India and the Trump administration.
- Waltz is an influential figure in US foreign policy.
- Jaishankar's visit included meetings with other key US officials.
Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held discussions with the newly-appointed US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, a vital Cabinet member in the Trump administration, in Washington D.C. He expressed that he is eager to collaborate on a dynamic and results-driven agenda.
Prior to his meeting with NSA Waltz on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar had a discussion with the newly-elected US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the inaugural Quad ministerial of the new Trump administration alongside his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the US.
“It was great to reconnect with NSA @michaelgwaltz this afternoon. We talked about enhancing our friendship to ensure mutual advantages and to bolster global stability and prosperity. I look forward to collaborating on a proactive and results-oriented agenda,” stated the EAM on the social media platform X after their meeting.
EAM Jaishankar, who is in the US at the invitation of the government to attend the presidential inauguration, also had a meeting with NSA Mike Waltz at the White House.
During the inauguration of President Donald Trump at the Capitol, EAM Jaishankar was among the international and US leaders, taking a prominent position.
As India's Special Envoy, he was honored with a seat at the front, specifically the first seat in the first righthand row during the swearing-in ceremony on January 20.
On December 28, 2024, EAM Jaishankar had previously met NSA Waltz, expressing his eagerness to collaborate.
Both Jaishankar and Waltz engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the bilateral relationship between India and the US, as well as current global challenges.
The EAM was on an official visit to the US from December 24-29. This marked the first high-level in-person meeting between the Indian government and the incoming Trump administration.
“Thrilled to meet” Waltz “this evening,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X on December 27, 2024.
“I enjoyed a comprehensive discussion about our bilateral partnership and pressing global matters. I look forward to working with him,” he mentioned.
Michael Waltz, a Congressman from Florida and co-chair of the India Caucus, is President-elect Trump's new National Security Adviser.
A retired Army colonel, Waltz served in the Green Berets, an elite special forces unit of the US Army. He has been a member of the US House of Representatives since 2019 and has been a vigorous critic of President Biden's foreign policy.
Waltz serves on the House Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee during this term. He has urged Europe to enhance its support for Ukraine and called for stricter US support, aligning with President Trump's key foreign policy objectives.
He has also criticized the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Waltz has praised Trump for advocating that NATO allies increase their defense spending.
As a member of the Republican's China taskforce, Waltz has expressed concerns regarding the US military's preparedness in the event of conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Waltz has shown willingness to serve in the administration and was previously considered for the role of Pentagon chief. The position of National Security Adviser does not necessitate Senate confirmation.
Additionally, Waltz co-chairs the India Caucus in the House, which is the largest country-specific group in the US Congress.
According to his website, Waltz was born in Boynton Beach, Florida, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and served for 27 years in both the US Army and National Guard.
As Trump's NSA, Waltz will interact with Ajit Doval, the Indian NSA, who has dealt with a range of NSAs from the Trump administration, beginning with Michael Flynn in 2017 and including H R McMaster, John Bolton, and Robert Brien.
