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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Trump's nominee Paul Kapur to prioritise Pakistan security ties in line with US interests
Listen to article Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that he would prioritise security cooperation with Pakistan where it aligns with US interests. He also expressed intent to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade and investment, He previously served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during Trump's first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia. Kapur, an academic of Indian origin, acknowledged the region's volatility, referring to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan. He said the crisis was narrowly averted due to 'intense engagement' by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If confirmed, I will pursue security cooperation with Pakistan where it is in America's interest," says Paul Kapur who is set to become Trump's top diplomat on South Asia — Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 10, 2025 On Pakistan, he said that if confirmed, he would "pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to US interests while seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment." He noted that "South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue." He added, "If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing US security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism." These tensions between the two countires escalated after an attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, but without presenting evidence. Islamabad denied the Indian claims and called for an independent probe. India the took hostile actions including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), halting trade, and closing border crossings, as it retaliated against the alleged attack. In response, Pakistan undertook reciprocal measures, including halting trade and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. The situation quickly escalated as missile strikes and air raids rocked both nations, resulting in dozens of casualties. Following a military standoff, the US announced a ceasefire on May 10. President Trump later wrote on Truth Social: 'I will work with you, both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.' READ MORE: Pakistan and India agree to immediate ceasefire Despite his commitment to regional balance, Kapur's prior scholarship has drawn criticism in Pakistan. His book Dangerous Deterrent and academic work, including India and Pakistan's Unstable Peace, have been viewed as reflective of a bias, with repeated suggestions that Pakistan instigates instability in the region. Kapur pledged to focus on practical diplomacy. 'If confirmed, I'll support efforts to bring home detained Americans in Afghanistan and work to prevent the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad again,' he said. The Senate is expected to vote on Kapur's nomination later this month. READ: 'Indian aggression carries consequences' Paul Kapur is set to take over as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, a role previously held by Donald Lu. Lu had earlier come under scrutiny following allegations by former Pakistani prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. Khan accused Lu of being involved in a 'foreign conspiracy' that, he claimed, led to his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, Khan alleged that Lu used threatening language during an official meeting with Pakistan's ambassador. 'On March 7... US undersecretary of state responsible for South Asia tells our ambassador in an official meeting [with] note takers on both sides that unless you get rid of your prime minister Pakistan will suffer consequences,' Khan said. He added that Lu should be sacked for 'bad manners and sheer arrogance.'
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Trump picks Paul Kapur to succeed Donald Lu as South Asia envoy
Listen to article US President Donald Trump has nominated Paul Kapur, an expert on South Asian security and nuclear issues, as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. Paul Kapur will succeed Donald Lu, who oversaw the region's diplomatic affairs under the Joe Biden administration. Paul Kapur, a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School, is widely known for his work on Indo-Pacific security and US-India relations. He previously served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during Trump's first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia. The appointment signals a potential shift in Washington's approach towards the region, particularly in its policies on India and Pakistan. Paul Kapur has long advocated for stronger US-India strategic ties and has been critical of Pakistan's security policies. His views suggest a tougher stance on Islamabad, contrasting with past efforts to maintain a balance between the two South Asian neighbours. As an academic, Paul Kapur has authored several books and research papers on South Asian security, including Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State and Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia. His work examines nuclear security, militancy, and regional conflicts, and he has contributed to policy discussions through the US-India Track 1.5 dialogue on defence cooperation. Paul Kapur's nomination follows a series of appointments of Indian-origin officials in the Trump administration. Other recent appointees include Kash Patel as FBI Director and Sriram Krishnan as White House Policy Adviser on Artificial Intelligence. The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, which Paul Kapur would oversee, is responsible for shaping US policy towards key regional nations, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His confirmation could reinforce India's status as a top strategic partner for Washington while signalling a more cautious approach to Pakistan. Paul Kapur's confirmation hearing before the Senate is expected in the coming weeks.
