Trump’s South Asia Nominee Paul Kapur Backs Pakistan Ties, Pushes for India-Pakistan Peace

President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, has emphasized enhanced security cooperation and economic ties with Pakistan during his Senate confirmation hearing, while also advocating for peace between Islamabad and New Delhi following recent tensions.

Security and Economic Cooperation with Pakistan

Kapur, a scholar of Indian origin, told senators: “If confirmed, I will continue to promote longstanding US security interests with Pakistan and India through the pursuit of peace and stability, and the fight against terrorism.” His remarks signal a potential shift in US policy, balancing strategic ties with both South Asian rivals.

The nominee also stressed expanding bilateral trade and investment with Pakistan, reflecting Washington’s interest in stabilizing the region economically while maintaining counterterrorism partnerships.

Preventing Afghanistan’s Return to Terrorism

Kapur highlighted Afghanistan as a key concern, stating: “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.” This aligns with US priorities to contain militant threats post-withdrawal.

Reflections on India-Pakistan Tensions

The hearing addressed last year’s 87-hour military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, which India falsely blamed on Islamabad. Kapur acknowledged that South Asia “narrowly escaped a serious conflict”, crediting US diplomatic intervention—led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—for de-escalation.

The conflict saw:

• Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos
• Six Indian jets, including Rafales, downed
• A US-brokered ceasefire on May 10

Diplomatic Outreach and Kashmir Mediation

Pakistan has since launched a global diplomatic campaign, with a nine-member delegation led by ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari meeting US, UN, and UK officials to counter India’s narrative.

The effort gained traction when State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce revealed Trump’s mediation offer: “President Trump went a step further by offering to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Kashmir.”

While Pakistan welcomed the proposal, India rejected third-party involvement, maintaining Kashmir as a “bilateral issue.”

Replacing Donald Lu Amid Controversy

Kapur would succeed Donald Lu, whose tenure was marred by allegations from PTI’s Imran Khan of involvement in Khan’s 2022 ouster. The nominee’s conciliatory tone contrasts with recent tensions, as Trump himself praised Pakistan’s leadership as “very strong.”

Why It Matters

• Nuclear deterrence: Stability between India-Pakistan remains critical.
• Economic stakes: US-Pakistan trade could grow under Kapur.
• Global diplomacy: Trump’s Kashmir offer reshapes regional dynamics.

As Kapur awaits confirmation, his vision for engagement over confrontation could redefine South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.