US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to Visit India Amid Controversy – Key Talks on Technology Cooperation Expected

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is expected to visit India between April 21-23 to discuss the TRUST initiative with his Indian counterpart. TRUST is a revamped version of the iCET, focusing on collaboration in defense, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space. The meeting will address initiatives on critical technologies, reducing regulatory barriers, and building trusted supply chains. Waltz’s visit follows an incident where he accidentally added a journalist to a sensitive national security chat, raising concerns and calls for his removal.

Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, are planning a visit to India, with an advance security team already scouting locations like Jaipur, Shimla, and Hyderabad. The couple will also introduce their children to India.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to Visit India Amid Controversy – Key Talks on Technology Cooperation Expected

Mike Waltz, the US National Security Advisor, is expected to travel to India from April 21 to 23 for high-level talks with Indian officials. The focus of the meeting will be the TRUST initiative—a partnership aimed at boosting technology collaboration between the two countries. If the trip proceeds as planned, Waltz will become the second official from former President Donald Trump’s administration to visit India this month, following Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who recently concluded her meetings in New Delhi.

What is the TRUST Initiative?

The TRUST initiative (short for Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) is an upgraded version of an earlier program called the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). Its goal is to strengthen US-India cooperation in advanced fields such as defense systems, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, biotechnology, clean energy, and space exploration. A key component of the plan is to ensure that both countries can protect sensitive technologies from misuse or theft. During the upcoming meeting, officials will discuss progress on projects such as reducing bureaucratic obstacles for tech partnerships and creating secure supply chains for critical industries.

Controversy Surrounding Waltz

Waltz’s visit comes amid criticism over a recent security lapse, where he accidentally added a journalist from The Atlantic to a private Signal chat group intended for official communications. This mistake sparked concerns about potential leaks of classified information, prompting some US lawmakers to demand his resignation. Despite this, the trip to India appears to be moving forward as planned.

US Vice President’s Family Trip to India

Separately, preparations are underway for a visit by US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, who has family roots in India. While the exact dates are still unconfirmed, an advance security team has already inspected locations such as Jaipur, Shimla, and Hyderabad—cities the couple might visit. The trip is expected to be personal, as the Vice President and his wife plan to introduce their children to India’s culture and heritage.

Why These Visits Matter

Waltz’s discussions in India highlight the growing importance of technology and defense ties between the US and India, especially as both nations seek to counter China’s influence in Asia. The TRUST initiative reflects a shared focus on innovation and security, with both countries aiming to reduce reliance on unstable global supply chains.

Meanwhile, the Vance family’s visit underscores the cultural and people-to-people connections between the US and India. Usha Vance’s Indian background adds a personal dimension to the trip, which could also subtly reinforce diplomatic goodwill.

In Short

• Mike Waltz’s India visit aims to advance tech and defense collaboration through the TRUST initiative.
• The partnership covers cutting-edge fields such as AI, quantum computing, and space tech, with a focus on security.
• A recent security slip-up involving Waltz has drawn political criticism but hasn’t derailed the trip.
• US Vice President JD Vance’s family trip to India, while unofficial, may strengthen cultural ties.

These engagements signal a continued push by the US to deepen its strategic relationship with India, blending technology, security, and soft diplomacy.