US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur to testify on US policy on South Asia on Wednesday

Appointed last October to manage diplomacy across the region, Indian-American Kapur will outline US strategic interests in the testimony

Photo: Paul Kapur

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur is set to testify before a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to discuss regional diplomacy involving Bangladesh, India, and neighbouring nations.

According to an official hearing notice, the open session is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 11.

Under the chairmanship of Bill Huizenga (R-MI), the hearing, titled “South Asia: US Foreign Policy in the Region”, serves as a critical examination of American diplomatic standing in the region.

This marks Kapur’s first appearance before a House Subcommittee since his confirmation. Nominated by President Donald Trump, Kapur was confirmed by the Senate in a 51-47 vote on Oct 7 last year, becoming the second Indian-American to hold this top diplomatic post.

During his Jun 10 nomination hearing, Kapur highlighted Bangladesh as having the largest economy in the region after India.

Kapur previously stated his commitment to "strengthening US security, countering Chinese influence, and expanding trade" through enhanced regional cooperation.

Wednesday’s session represents his first formal accountability exercise regarding US administration policy since taking office.

The proceedings will be available via live webcast on the committee’s official website.