Washington, August 5: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S. Paul Kapoor, is set to visit India, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan from August 5 to August 12. The primary aim of this tour is to enhance regional security, economic cooperation, and advance U.S. policy in South and Central Asia.
The U.S. State Department announced the itinerary, stating that Kapoor will meet with senior government officials during his visit. Discussions will cover several critical issues, including defense, trade, investment, energy, connectivity projects, and regional security. During his time in India, there will be a particular focus on strengthening the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, promoting a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, emerging technologies, defense collaboration, and economic ties.
Following his visit to India, Kapoor will travel to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan. The U.S. aims to enhance cooperation with these Central Asian nations on energy security, critical minerals, counter-terrorism collaboration, border security, digital and physical connectivity projects, and regional stability.
S. Paul Kapoor is an American strategic affairs expert of Indian origin, born in New Delhi. He has conducted extensive research on South Asia, nuclear security, India-U.S. relations, and the Indo-Pacific strategy. Kapoor previously worked in the U.S. State Department’s Policy Planning Staff and later assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
He has consistently emphasized that the U.S. views a strong and independent India as a crucial partner in maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific region and countering the dominance of any single power. He has also highlighted peace in South Asia, counter-terrorism cooperation, and trade and technology partnerships as key priorities in U.S. policy.
This visit comes at a time when the U.S. is focusing on strengthening its strategic presence in both South and Central Asia, enhancing cooperation with partner countries amid the growing influence of China and Russia, and exploring new opportunities in connectivity, energy, and security.
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