Indian-American Security Expert Paul Kapur Sworn In as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia

Washington, Oct 2025 : Indian-American security expert Dr. Paul Kapur has been officially sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, marking a key regional appointment in the Trump administration.

The State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs confirmed the appointment on X, posting, “Welcome to @State_SCA, Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur! This morning Dr. Kapur was officially sworn in as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.”

Kapur succeeds Donald Lu, who held the post from September 2021 to January 2025. His appointment comes at a time when the U.S. seeks to strengthen strategic ties with India and deepen engagement across South and Central Asia amid shifting global dynamics.

Kapur previously served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff (2020–2021), focusing on South and Central Asia, the Indo-Pacific strategy, and India–U.S. relations. He also led several high-level dialogues, including the India–U.S. Track 1.5 Strategic Defense Dialogue, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in security and defense.

Apart from his policy experience, Kapur has a strong academic background. He is a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and a professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he has written extensively on international security, nuclear strategy, and South Asian affairs.

In early October, Kapur was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, alongside Sergio Gor, who was appointed as the new U.S. Ambassador to India. During his Senate confirmation hearing in June, Kapur reflected on his personal and professional journey, noting that his career had “come full circle.”

Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother, Kapur said he grew up in the United States but always maintained a deep connection to his birthplace. He described his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the U.S.–India partnership and advance shared democratic values and strategic goals.

Kapur emphasized that the United States and India share a wide range of common interests, including ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, expanding bilateral trade, promoting technology cooperation, and strengthening energy security.

On relations with Pakistan, Kapur stated that he would pursue security cooperation only where it aligns with U.S. interests, maintaining a balanced and pragmatic approach toward regional stability.

The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs oversees U.S. policy in a region critical to global security, economic engagement, counterterrorism, and infrastructure development. Kapur’s appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on strategic partnerships and regional cooperation as Washington continues to expand its footprint in South and Central Asia.

Team Maverick.