In a move that underscores the administration’s focus on bolstering ties in a strategically vital region, President Donald Trump has nominated Paul Kapur to serve as the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs. If confirmed by the Senate, Kapur will succeed Donald Lu, whose term concluded earlier this month.
Kapur, an Indian-origin scholar renowned for his expertise in South Asian security, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He currently serves as a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval Postgraduate School and has been a key figure in shaping U.S. policy in the region. Between 2020 and 2021, Kapur contributed to the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, focusing on issues ranging from Indo-Pacific strategy to U.S.-India relations, further cementing his reputation as a strategic thinker on regional security matters.
The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, which Kapur is poised to lead, is responsible for managing U.S. foreign policy in a diverse region that includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This broad portfolio highlights the increasing importance of maintaining robust diplomatic and security engagements with nations that play critical roles in regional stability and global security.
Kapur’s academic and strategic credentials are further underscored by his scholarly contributions. He is a co-author of India, Pakistan and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia and has co-edited The Challenges of Nuclear Security: US and Indian Perspectives, works that address some of the most pressing security challenges in the region. His academic rigor, combined with hands-on policy experience, positions him as a formidable candidate for navigating the complexities of South Asian affairs.
In addition to his academic and policy work, Kapur has been instrumental in directing a U.S.-India Track 1.5 strategic dialogue for the Department of Defense, as well as facilitating various engagements between U.S. and Indian officials. This role has been central to deepening bilateral ties and fostering strategic partnerships that are crucial to both nations’ security interests.
As Washington continues to recalibrate its approach to Asia, Kapur’s nomination signals a clear intent to reinforce U.S. engagement in South Asia. His blend of academic insight and practical experience is expected to inform a more nuanced and effective policy framework, at a time when the region faces myriad challenges ranging from nuclear security to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The nomination awaits Senate confirmation, and its outcome will be closely watched by policymakers and international observers alike, given the critical role the bureau plays in shaping U.S. relations with some of the world’s most influential nations.
