Florida Representative Mike Waltz, who leads the India Caucus, has been appointed as National Security Advisor by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Waltz, 50, is expected to bring a hawkish stance to national security, aligning with Trump’s goals of bolstering American security.
A former Green Beret and a strong advocate for defense policies, Waltz has been a prominent supporter of closer U.S.-India ties, especially in defense and security, and a strong stance against China. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Waltz played a pivotal role in organizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark address at Capitol Hill during his U.S. visit in 2023.
The Senate’s India Caucus, established in 2004 by then-Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John Cornyn, is the Senate’s largest caucus of its kind, with 40 members from both parties.
Waltz has frequently criticized the outgoing Biden administration’s Afghanistan policy. His appointment could signal a shift toward a more assertive U.S. approach to China and a strengthened U.S.-India partnership, a strategic alliance he has long championed for its regional stability and mutual economic and security benefits.