EAM Jaishankar Engages with Trump's NSA Nominee Michael Waltz, Anticipates Collaboration

Washington, Dec 28 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar had a meeting with Congressman Michael Waltz, who is President-elect Donald Trump's selection for National Security Advisor, and stated that he is looking forward to collaborating with him.

During their discussion, both EAM Jaishankar and the upcoming US NSA Waltz engaged in a comprehensive dialogue concerning the bilateral relationship between India and the United States, in addition to addressing pressing global matters.

The EAM is currently on an official trip to the US from December 24 to 29. This marks the initial highest-level in-person interaction between the Indian administration and the incoming Trump government.

EAM Jaishankar expressed his sentiments on X, stating he was “delighted to meet” Waltz “this evening”.

He added, “Enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership as well as current global issues. Look forward to working with him,” he mentioned.

Michael Waltz, at the age of 50, will take over from Jake Sullivan as the National Security Advisor on January 20, coinciding with Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

Earlier on that day, EAM Jaishankar mentioned that he had “concluded a very useful two-day conference” with the team at @IndianEmbassyUS and their Consuls General in Washington DC.

He expressed confidence from the discussions that the ongoing expansion of the India-US partnership would be fast-tracked, posting on X.

Michael Waltz, a Congressman from Florida and co-chair of the India Caucus, is set to become the National Security Adviser under President-elect Trump.

A retired Army colonel, Waltz served as a Green Beret, which is a premier special forces unit of the US Army.

He has been a member of the US House of Representatives since 2019 and has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's foreign policy. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee during this term.

Waltz has advocated for Europe to enhance its support for Ukraine and has urged the US to adopt a more stringent approach to its assistance, aligning with a critical foreign policy objective of the President-elect. Additionally, he has been a strong opponent of the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He commended Trump for urging NATO allies to increase their defense spending, though he has not suggested that the US withdraw from the alliance, unlike the President-elect.

Waltz remarked, “Look we can be allies and friends and have tough conversations,” in a statement last month.

Waltz is also a participant in the Republican's China taskforce and has argued that the US military requires better preparation for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Waltz had been candid about his willingness to serve in the administration and was considered a front-runner to lead the Pentagon. The position of National Security Adviser does not necessitate Senate confirmation.

He also co-chairs the India Caucus in the House, which is the largest country-specific group within the US Congress.

Trump has been quick in naming key members of his incoming administration, including Susan Wiles, who will serve as the White House Chief of Staff, making history as the first woman to hold this position.

Other appointments by Trump include Stephen Miller as a senior adviser, known for his criticism of the H-1B visa program, which he attempted to eliminate during Trump's first term.

According to his official site, 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 the US Army and National Guard.

As Trump's NSA, Waltz will interact with Ajit Doval, the Indian NSA, who has worked with a rotating series of NSAs starting with Michael Flynn in 2017, followed by H. R. McMaster, John Bolton, and Robert O'Brien during the Trump administration.

NSA Doval also engaged with Jake Sullivan, NSA to US President Joe Biden, who is anticipated to complete his full term and exit the administration at the end of his tenure on January 20, 2025.