Who is Mike Waltz? Promising India-US ties under Trump’s National Security Advisor

Yesterday, Senator Mike Waltz received a message that President-elect Trump had invited him to be his administration’s National Security Advisor. He would use his experience in the US Military and as the US Senator and co-chair of the House India Caucus to shape America’s foreign policy for the next four years.

Role of the National Security Advisor in the US Administration

The National Security Advisor is part of the National Security Council in the Executive Office of American Presidents. Historically, each President appoints their own National Security Advisor for his time in the Oval Office. Their appointment is purely an executive decision and does not require Senate approval. NSA serves as the US President’s chief advisor on policies that impact US national security. 

While they cannot directly influence US policy like the Secretary of State or Defence can, they have shaped US domestic and foreign policy due to their proximity to the President. The best example of the influence wielded by the post is Henry Kissinger’s role as Nixon’s NSA during the Vietnam War and his involvement in the Cambodian bombing campaign.

Who is Mike Waltz?

Michael Waltz or Mike Waltz is a Republican Senator from Florida in the US House of Representatives. Before being elected, he served as a Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces. He was in action in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. His service has shaped his views on US military vigilance and readiness by increased defence spending. 

During his time in office, he has brought resolutions and legislation to safeguard the US interest in its foreign policies. He is well-known as a “China Hawk” for his stance against the Chinese Communist Party. He was part of the House China Task Force that released the report to address the “China Threat” through foreign policy. He strongly believes in fortifying US interest in the Indo-Pacific region. 

He is also in the bipartisan India Caucus, the Republican co-chair, dealing with Indian-American issues and US relations with India. His democratic counterpart in the caucus, Ro Khanna expressed that Mike Walz as National Security Advisor would be good for US-India relations. It is only strategic to have India as an ally if one wants to go after China in the Indo-Pacific. 

Promising India-US relations

As the National Security Advisor, strategically championing US interests is his utmost priority. But his outspoken disapproval of the actions of the Chinese Government could influence US policy on China. 

To address the “China Threat” as quoted by Waltz, the US needs to remove any dependency on the Chinese market and have a powerful ally in the Indo-Pacific. As of now, the US has already taken measures to be less dependent on Chinese resources. Mike Walz even helped pass legislation to invest to develop certain resources in the domestic American market rather than the Chinese market. Regardless, India would be the top candidate to get close if tensions increase between the US and China. 

Mike Waltz has also expressed his views on furthering partnership with India as she leads the global south in strength and vision for peace. I agree with Ro Khanna that the relationship between the US and India would improve. There could be fresh bilateral trade agreements, joined military exercises and much more to expect from this decision. 

However, I also believe that India would be cautious about getting too close. With peace talks between PM Modi and President Xi about the LAC, India would not sabotage peace with an aggressive stance against CCP. We also would not compromise the strategic partnership with Russia. Getting too close to the US could alienate Russia. The worst possible outcome of stronger ties with the US could be to have a stronger Russia-China relations. 

Both India and the USA would be wary of that. As always geopolitics tows a fine line between friendship and rivalry. No one would compromise their national interest for anything. India has a chance to improve relations with all three to further its national interest. She is not one to pick sides in other’s battles. This is a testament to India’s potential to lead the global south as a united front. 

In the coming years, we can expect better relations with the US, Russia and China if all conditions remain the same. 

Bigger Picture- Europe and the Middle East

If President-elect Trump agrees with Watlz on shifting focus on China and the Indo-Pacific, there would be swift impact on the rest of the world. The US must secure interests in Europe and the Middle East to focus on China effectively. 

This could either mean that the US uses its soft power to resolve the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts or withdraws from those discussions to confront China and its actions in the South China Sea, particularly to secure Taiwan.

Mike Waltz has spoken about US military aid to Ukraine. He has expressed that Europe needs to show support to stabilise its neighbours rather than relying upon the extensive support from the US. There is an expectation to conclude both regional conflicts.