Is Indian-American Paul Kapur the New US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia?
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Synopsis
Paul Kapur’s swearing-in as Assistant Secretary of State signals a pivotal moment for US-South Asia relations. With an impressive background and deep connections to India, Kapur aims to enhance bilateral ties while addressing regional security. His journey from New Delhi to a key diplomatic role underscores the growing importance of South and Central Asia in US foreign policy.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Kapur is the new Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
- He has a strong background in US-India relations.
- Kapur aims to enhance bilateral ties and address regional security issues.
- The bureau he leads plays a crucial role in shaping US policy in South and Central Asia.
- Kapur's journey reflects his deep connections to both the United States and India.
Washington, Oct 23 (NationPress) Indian-American security specialist Paul Kapur has been officially sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, signifying an important appointment within the Trump administration for this region.
The State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs posted on social media platform X, "Welcome to @State_SCA, Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur! This morning Dr. Kapur was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs."
Kapur takes over from Donald Lu, who held the position from September 2021 until January 2025.
Previously, Kapur worked from 2020 to 2021 on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff, focusing on matters pertinent to South and Central Asia, Indo-Pacific strategy, and India-US relations.
He has led the India-US Track 1.5 dialogue and directed various strategic defense collaborations between the two nations.
Currently, he serves as a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and is a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
Earlier this month, Kapur received Senate confirmation alongside the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor.
During his Senate confirmation hearing in June, Kapur expressed that his career has come full circle, having academically studied the region and now assuming a pivotal diplomatic role.
"I can't shake the feeling of having come full circle. I was born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother. While I frequently visited India in my youth, I grew up in the United States without anticipating that my career would eventually lead me back to my birthplace," he remarked.
Regarding US-India relations, Kapur emphasized the shared interests of both nations.
"The United States and India have numerous common interests: ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, unencumbered by Chinese dominance; enhancing bilateral trade to create a more balanced and profitable economic relationship; promoting technology sharing and innovation; and securing access to the energy required to drive our economies," he stated.
Concerning Pakistan, he mentioned that he intends to pursue security cooperation where it aligns with US interests.
The bureau is instrumental in influencing US policy regarding security, economic partnerships, counterterrorism, and infrastructure development throughout the broader South and Central Asia region.
Point of View
I recognize the appointment of Paul Kapur as Assistant Secretary of State as a crucial development in US foreign relations. His expertise and background equip him to navigate the intricacies of South and Central Asia, an area of growing geopolitical significance. With a focus on mutual interests, Kapur's leadership could strengthen ties not only with India but also shape broader regional stability. Nation has always been committed to highlighting such impactful appointments.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Kapur?
Paul Kapur is an Indian-American security expert recently appointed as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
What are Paul Kapur's main responsibilities?
Kapur's responsibilities include shaping US policy on security, economic engagement, and counterterrorism in South and Central Asia.
What experience does Paul Kapur bring to the role?
Kapur has extensive experience in US-India relations and has worked on various strategic defense initiatives.
How does Kapur view US-India relations?
Kapur believes that the United States and India share numerous common interests, including maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
What initiatives will Kapur pursue regarding Pakistan?
Kapur intends to pursue security cooperation with Pakistan where it aligns with US interests.
