Nominee Paul Kapur Stresses Shared US-India Goals Against Chinese Dominance

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump’s nominee for a pivotal diplomatic role in South Asia, Paul Kapur, emphasized the mutual goals shared by the United States and India, particularly in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region free from Chinese dominance.

During his nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 10, Kapur also highlighted the importance of increasing trade, enhancing technology sharing, and improving energy access between the two nations.

Kapur, nominated for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, would oversee U.S. interests across a critical region including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

If confirmed, he pledged to pursue a security and strategic partnership with India that prioritizes American interests. He noted his intention to “pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to the US interest, seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment.”

“If confirmed, I will work to further advance US-India relations and put our partnership on course to realise its tremendous promise,” Kapur stated. He further affirmed a commitment to promoting “long-standing security interests with India, Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and fight against terrorism.”

Kapur, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, is recognized for his extensive research on South Asian security and nuclear policy. He holds a BA from Amherst College and a PhD from the University of Chicago. If confirmed, he would succeed Donald Lu, whose term concluded on January 17.