US-India Ties Will Shape the 21st Century, Says Mike Waltz on Future Prospects

The US-India relationship is considered pivotal in shaping the 21st century, according to Congressman Mike Waltz. Waltz, appointed as National Security Advisor by President-elect Donald Trump, emphasised this at a recent event hosted by the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) at Stanford University for the INDUSUSX Summit. He stated, "The bottom line is, in my view, this US-India is the most important relationship of the 21st century. This will determine whether this is a century of light or a century of darkness."

Waltz could not attend the summit due to election commitments but sent a video message urging further collaboration. He stressed the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and safeguarding India's sovereignty, especially along the Line of Control (LoC). "Consider my office and my team an open door to further this relationship as we press forward, and keeping the Indo-Pacific free and open and protecting Indian sovereignty particularly on the Line of Control LoC and ensuring that the world that we leave behind for our children and grandchildren is in line with our shared values," he said.

Strengthening Ties Between Democracies

Waltz expressed enthusiasm about the growing momentum in US-India relations. He recently visited India with Congressman Ro Khanna in August for Independence Day celebrations. During this visit, he was impressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the Red Fort. "It was an amazing event," he remarked, noting that initiatives like iCET and INDUS-X highlight the strengthening ties between these two democracies.

The congressman also pointed out various areas where both nations are collaborating. These include joint production efforts such as Apache helicopter fuselages by Boeing and Tata, advancements in ship repair, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and data management. These collaborations are seen as vital as both countries progress further into this century.

Waltz encouraged continued efforts to maintain momentum in US-India relations. "Let's keep the momentum in the US-India relationship going," he urged. His remarks underscore the significance of this partnership in addressing global challenges and promoting shared democratic values.

The emphasis on collaboration reflects a commitment to ensuring a stable future aligned with mutual interests. As both nations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, their partnership remains crucial in fostering peace and prosperity globally.