Washington D.C.: In a move that highlights America’s focus on South and Central Asia, the US Senate confirmed Indian-origin academic S Paul Kapur as assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 7, despite the ongoing government shutdown.

Kapur replaces Donald Lu and is now poised to shape Washington’s engagement with countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The White House announced the appointment on X, stating, “Paul Kapur, of California, as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs.”

Add Zee News as a Preferred Source

Kapur was among 107 nominees cleared by the Senate and is expected to steer US diplomacy across a region of rising strategic importance.

Who Is Paul Kapur?

Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and a

See Full Page