Paul Kapur, an expert in India-Pakistan security and nuclear strategy, has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, marking a significant diplomatic appointment by the Donald Trump administration.
If confirmed, he will become the second Indian-origin official to lead the South Asia bureau, responsible for managing relations with India and its neighbouring countries.
A White House statement confirmed Kapur's nomination, stating, “Paul Kapur of California to be Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs.” He is set to replace Donald Lu, who previously held the role under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Kapur has been a vocal proponent of strengthening US-India ties while maintaining a critical stance on Pakistan’s security policies. His prior experience includes serving in the US State Department’s policy planning team for South Asia during Trump’s first presidential term.
A distinguished academic, Kapur is currently a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School and a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.
His research focuses on South Asian geopolitics, Islamist militancy, and nuclear deterrence. He has authored several books, including Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security and the Pakistani State and Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia.
Beyond academia, Kapur has contributed to US defence policymaking, managing consultancy projects for the Department of Defence and participating in the US-India Track 1.5 dialogue on defence cooperation.
His insights have played a role in shaping Washington’s approach to security in the region.
Kapur’s nomination is part of a broader trend within the Trump administration of appointing Indian-Americans to high-profile roles.
Other notable appointees include Kash Patel as FBI director and Sriram Krishnan as the White House’s policy adviser on Artificial Intelligence.
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