US NSA unlikely to visit India this month

NEW DELHI: US NSA Mike Waltz is unlikely to visit India this month, contrary to what has been reported till now. Neither govt had confirmed what could have been the first visit by Waltz to India since he assumed office. Waltz was apparently supposed to participate in India-US Forum that begins April 21.

According to the organisers, the Forum is a "platform for both American and Indian leaders from across the spectrum to shape the future of India-US strategic partnership" through consultation and collaboration. It is convened by Ananta Centre and ministry of external Affairs (MEA). It's not clear yet why Waltz decided to skip the event but a source said his visit had been "postponed". Financial Times reported last week from Washington that Waltz has been treading on thin ice since the 'Signalgate' fiasco that had President Donald Trump sacking important members of his staff.

The Forum, however, will go ahead even without his participation. The visit would have coincided with US Vice President J D Vance's own four-day visit to India starting April 21.