US President Donald Trump has nominated Paul Kapur, an expert on South Asian security and nuclear issues, as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. Paul Kapur will succeed Donald Lu, who oversaw the region’s diplomatic affairs under the Joe Biden administration.
Paul Kapur, a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School, is widely known for his work on Indo-Pacific security and US-India relations. He previously served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff during Trump’s first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia.
The appointment signals a potential shift in Washington’s approach towards the region, particularly in its policies on India and Pakistan. Paul Kapur has long advocated for stronger US-India strategic ties and has been critical of Pakistan’s security policies.
His views suggest a tougher stance on Islamabad, contrasting with past efforts to maintain a balance between the two South Asian neighbours.
As an academic, Paul Kapur has authored several books and research papers on South Asian security, including Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State and Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia. His work examines nuclear security, militancy, and regional conflicts, and he has contributed to policy discussions through the US-India Track 1.5 dialogue on defence cooperation.
Paul Kapur’s nomination follows a series of appointments of Indian-origin officials in the Trump administration. Other recent appointees include Kash Patel as FBI Director and Sriram Krishnan as White House Policy Adviser on Artificial Intelligence.
The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, which Paul Kapur would oversee, is responsible for shaping US policy towards key regional nations, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His confirmation could reinforce India’s status as a top strategic partner for Washington while signalling a more cautious approach to Pakistan.
Paul Kapur’s confirmation hearing before the Senate is expected in the coming weeks.
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