With the appointment of Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor (NSA), US President-elect Donald Trump has made a clear statement about the direction of American foreign policy in the years ahead. Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret and Florida Representative, is known for his tough stance on China and his commitment to bolstering military preparedness. His selection underscores the incoming administration’s focus on enhancing the US’s strategic position, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and signals a stronger alignment with India amidst rising tensions in the region.
The Significance of Waltz’s Appointment
Mike Waltz’s selection as NSA is a significant moment in US foreign policy. As a former Army Green Beret, Waltz brings a wealth of military experience to the table. His background in strategic military operations and defence policy will be critical as he assumes one of the most influential positions in the White House. Waltz has long been an advocate for a robust military presence in the Indo-Pacific, a region where US influence has been increasingly challenged by China. In his role as NSA, Waltz is expected to prioritize military readiness and strategic alliances, particularly with India, as part of a broader effort to counter China’s growing power.
Waltz’s Stance on China
One of the most notable aspects of Waltz’s foreign policy outlook is his firm opposition to China. Over the years, Waltz has consistently criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for its aggressive policies in the Indo-Pacific, including military expansions in the South China Sea and its support for authoritarian regimes globally. Waltz has also been outspoken about China’s human rights abuses, particularly its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim population in Xinjiang. In 2021, he introduced a resolution calling for a US boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, citing concerns over China’s human rights record and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Waltz’s position on China is clear: he believes that the US must shift its strategic focus away from Europe and the Middle East and prioritize the Indo-Pacific as the center of global geopolitical competition. In a co-authored article with former Pentagon strategist Matthew Kroenig, Waltz argued that the US must act urgently to conclude conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to focus on “countering the greater threat from the Communist Party.” For Waltz, strengthening US military power and readiness is essential to deterring Chinese aggression, particularly regarding Taiwan, and ensuring that the US can maintain its influence in the region.
US-India Relations: A Strategic Opportunity
Waltz’s approach to China has broader implications for US relations with India. As a staunch supporter of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Waltz has long advocated for stronger ties between the US and India. His role as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans highlights his commitment to deepening the US-India partnership, particularly in the face of shared concerns about China’s regional ambitions.
India, which has had its own confrontations with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), stands to benefit from Waltz’s appointment. With his military background and expertise in Indo-Pacific strategy, he is likely to advocate for enhanced defence cooperation between the two nations. This could include joint military exercises, expanded defence agreements, and greater intelligence sharing. Moreover, his support for India’s position on global issues, such as the fight for democracy and a rules-based international order, aligns with India’s strategic priorities.
In fact, Waltz’s commitment to strengthening the India-US relationship is already evident in his past actions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Waltz joined with other members of the India Caucus to advocate for the provision of medical supplies and vaccines to India. He has also been instrumental in efforts to elevate India’s global standing, including co-writing a letter urging US Congress to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a joint address to Congress in 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
A Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy
His appointment is not just a victory for US-India relations; it also signals a strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. The region is becoming increasingly vital to US national security, not only because of China’s growing influence but also due to its role in global trade and security. Waltz’s expertise in military strategy, combined with his commitment to strengthening US alliances in the region, suggests that the US will work more closely with regional partners, including India, Japan, Australia, and other key players, to counter China’s ambitions.
The Indo-Pacific will likely become a focal point of Waltz’s tenure as NSA, with the US focusing on countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative, military presence in the South China Sea, and growing economic influence in the region. In this context, the US’s partnership with India will become even more important, particularly as both nations share concerns over Chinese expansionism.
Implications for NATO and US Alliances
Waltz’s appointment also raises questions about the future of US relations with NATO and other traditional allies. His appointment aligns with Trump’s “America First” strategy, which has often placed the US at odds with its European allies. Waltz’s hardline approach to China, combined with his focus on military preparedness and strategic competition, could lead to further tension within NATO. European allies, who have often viewed China through an economic lens, may find Waltz’s confrontational stance on China and military priorities concerning.
At the same time, his focus on China may require NATO to reassess its strategic priorities. While NATO has traditionally focused on European security, China’s growing influence and the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region may prompt a recalibration of alliance strategies to address this new geopolitical reality.
A Stronger Indo-US Partnership?
As National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz will play a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. His firm stance on China, combined with his commitment to strengthening US-India relations, marks a significant shift in US foreign policy priorities. For India, Waltz’s appointment presents an opportunity to deepen defence ties and align more closely with the US in countering regional threats. In the coming months, expect increased diplomatic engagement, military cooperation, and strategic collaboration between the US and India, with Waltz playing a crucial role in defining the future of Indo-US relations.