Paul Kapur, nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, confirmed during his Senate hearing that VP J.D. Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio were instrumental in urging India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. He spoke on the shared interests between the U.S. and India, as well as strategies for engaging Pakistan on trade and security. The discussion highlighted the fragile ceasefire and the need for ongoing U.S. relations in South Asia.
During a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Paul Kapur, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, highlighted the efforts of Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in urging restraint amid the escalating crisis between India and Pakistan. “As somebody from the outside looking in, it appeared to me that the Secretary [of State] and the Vice President were actively engaged in using their good offices to encourage de-escalation,” Kapur remarked to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He noted that their involvement probably had a beneficial effect, as both nations chose to step back from confrontation.
Kapur, who currently teaches at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, addressed concerns regarding the rising tensions that have emerged Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which India linked to groups based in Pakistan. Senator Chris Van Hollen mentioned positive discussions with parliamentary delegations from both countries, highlighting the precarious nature of the existing ceasefire. Van Hollen noted that while the Indian government denies U.S. mediation in achieving this ceasefire, it remains an important, albeit fragile, development.
The Senator quoted Secretary Rubio’s statement from May 10, expressing satisfaction that the two governments had agreed to a ceasefire and would begin discussions on various issues at a neutral location. He then posed a pressing question to Kapur regarding which broad issues would be addressed in these discussions if he were confirmed for the role.
Kapur responded by emphasizing shared interests between the U.S. and India, such as promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region free from China’s dominance, growing bilateral trade, and fostering equitable economic partnerships. He stressed the need to facilitate technology sharing and enhance energy access to support their economies. If confirmed, Kapur pledged to advance U.S.-India relations and ensure Pakistan is engaged in beneficial security collaboration while exploring trade and investment opportunities.
He remarked, “South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict, with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue. If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing U.S. security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism.” Kapur also expressed the importance of neighboring countries—Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan—for regional stability, arguing that closer cooperation is essential to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Additionally, if confirmed, he committed to supporting President Trump and Secretary Rubio in the effort to repatriate wrongly detained Americans from Afghanistan. Senator James E. Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed concerns over the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, stressing the continued need for U.S. counterterrorism efforts across the region. Risch underscored that the U.S. shares national security interests with both countries and the need for enduring peace between them.
In summary, Paul Kapur’s confirmation hearing revealed significant U.S. involvement in fostering peace between India and Pakistan amidst rising tensions. Both Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio played crucial roles in encouraging restraint. Kapur outlined plans for advancing U.S.-India relations and enhancing partnerships with surrounding countries to counterbalance China’s influence. The Senate discussions underscored the necessity for ongoing U.S. engagement in maintaining regional security and cooperation.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
