International Desk
14 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Paul Kapur, a South Asian security expert, has been nominated by former US President Donald Trump to serve as the assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs. If confirmed by the Senate, he will replace Donald Lu, whose term ends on January 17, 2025.
The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs oversees American foreign policy and relations with countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, and several Central Asian nations. Kapur’s nomination signals a continued focus on strengthening US-India ties and broader regional stability.
Of Indian origin, Kapur is a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He previously served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff from 2020 to 2021, where he worked on South and Central Asian affairs, Indo-Pacific strategy, and US-India relations.
Kapur is a well-known scholar in international security, particularly in South Asia. He co-authored India, Pakistan and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia and co-edited The Challenges of Nuclear Security: US and Indian Perspectives. His expertise in nuclear security and strategic affairs makes him a key figure in shaping US policy in the region.
Kapur holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and plays a crucial role in US-India defense cooperation. He manages the U.S.-India Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue for the Department of Defense, along with other joint initiatives between the two nations.
If confirmed, Kapur will play a vital role in shaping America’s diplomatic approach toward South Asia at a time of growing geopolitical challenges in the region. His experience and academic background make him a strong choice for the position.