WASHINGTON: Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, pledged to prioritize security cooperation with Pakistan in areas aligned with US interests.
Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Kapur emphasized his intention to foster bilateral collaboration in trade and investment alongside security.
Kapur, who previously served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff during Trump’s first term, acknowledged the volatile nature of South Asia, particularly referencing the recent escalation between India and Pakistan.
He noted that the crisis had been 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,” Kapur said. He further stressed that he would continue to promote US security interests in South Asia, focusing on peace, stability, and counterterrorism efforts.
The tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated following an attack in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence, and Pakistan denied the accusations, calling for an independent investigation.
This led to a series of retaliatory actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), halting trade, and closing border crossings. The military standoff eventually resulted in missile strikes and air raids, causing numerous casualties. A ceasefire was brokered by the US on May 10.
Kapur, however, has faced criticism in Pakistan due to his academic work, particularly his book Dangerous Deterrent and his analysis of India-Pakistan relations, which some in Pakistan view as biased. Despite this, Kapur reiterated his commitment to practical diplomacy, including efforts to bring home detained Americans in Afghanistan and prevent the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad once again.
The Senate is set to vote on Kapur’s nomination later this month. He is expected to take over the role previously held by Donald Lu, who faced scrutiny in Pakistan after former Prime Minister Imran Khan accused him of being involved in a “foreign conspiracy” that led to his removal from office in April 2022.
