The president of the United States, Donald Trump, nominated Paul Kapur, an expert in nuclear and security problems in southern Asia, as assistant secretary of State of Asia Sur and Central. Paul Kapur will happen to Donald Lu, who supervised the diplomatic issues of the region under the Joe Biden administration.
Paul Kapur, professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School, is widely known for his work on the security of the Indo-Pacific and relations between the United States and India. He previously served in the policy planning personnel of the State Department during Trump’s first mandate, where he played a role in the configuration of the US strategy in southern Asia.
The appointment indicates a potential change in Washington’s approach to the region, particularly in its policies in India and Pakistan. Paul Kapur has advised for a long time for the strategic ties of India between the United States and India and has been critical of Pakistan’s security policies.
His views suggest a tougher posture about Islamabad, in contrast to past efforts to maintain a balance between the two residents of southern Asia.
As an academic, Paul Kapur has written several books and research work on South Asia, including jihad as a great strategy: Islamist militancy, national security and the Pakistani state and dangerous deterrence: proliferation of nuclear weapons and conflicts in the south of Asia. His work examines nuclear safety, militancy and regional conflicts, and has contributed to policy discussions through the Indian defense dialogue.
The Paul Kapur nomination follows a series of appointments of officials of Indian origin in the Trump administration. Other recent appointed Kash Patel as director of the FBI and Sriram Krishnan as a White House Advisor on artificial intelligence.
The South and Central Affairs Office of Asia, which Paul Kapur Supervisaría, is responsible for shaping American policy towards key regional nations, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. His confirmation could reinforce the state of India as a main strategic partner for Washington while indicating a more cautious approach to Pakistan.
Paul Kapur’s confirmation audience before the Senate is expected in the coming weeks.
