Trump nominates Indian scholar to replace Donald Lu as South Asia envoy

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated S. Paul Kapur, a scholar of Indian origin known for his critical views on Pakistan, as the next Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

The nomination, which emerged during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, signals a potential shift in U.S. policy, emphasizing stronger ties with India and a more skeptical approach toward Pakistan.

Kapur, a professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, is recognized for his firm stance on regional security issues.

He has previously argued that Pakistan employs Islamist militancy as a tool of statecraft, a perspective that aligns with the administration’s evolving South Asia strategy.

The nomination has drawn attention from experts, with Michael Kugelman, a scholar of South Asian affairs, stating that Kapur is a strs

ong advocate for the U.S.-India partnership and a known critic of Pakistan, reflecting the administration’s broader regional outlook.

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If confirmed by the Senate, Kapur will succeed Donald Lu, who is stepping down following the change in administration. In the interim, Eric Meyer continues to oversee the region as the senior official.

Kapur’s appointment is seen as a significant indicator of the administration’s strategic priorities, positioning India as a key regional partner while adopting a more assertive approach toward Islamabad.