The Voice News: Kapoor, nominated for the position of U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, highlighted the importance of Bangladesh during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He stated that if confirmed, he would work to restore balance in China’s sphere of influence in the region and expand trade.
The hearing took place in Washington on Tuesday. If approved by the committee, Kapoor would oversee South and Central Asia under the Trump administration. In addition to Bangladesh and India, South Asia includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. He would also be responsible for the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
During the hearing, Kapoor emphasized that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan are crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that after India, Bangladesh has the largest economy in South Asia. He stressed prioritizing regional security, countering China’s influence, and expanding trade.
Kapoor also stated that he would work to advance U.S. security interests with both India and Pakistan, promote peace and stability in South Asia, and combat terrorism.
He addressed several pressing issues such as recent India-Pakistan military tensions, China’s regional dominance, and the Afghanistan crisis. If confirmed, he pledged to strengthen U.S. relations with the countries in the region. Highlighting the shared interests between the U.S. and India, he said he would work to ensure a free Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s dominance. He also spoke of increasing bilateral trade and making economic relations more balanced and profitable.
Kapoor stated that he would focus on ensuring a steady flow of energy, encouraging technological exchange and innovation, and strengthening economies. He expressed his commitment to deepening U.S.-India relations and unlocking the potential of their partnership. Regarding Pakistan, Kapoor said security cooperation would be pursued in a way that supports U.S. interests and opens up bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
On the subject of India-Pakistan tensions, he said that South Asia recently avoided a severe conflict. The U.S. Vice President and Secretary of State were actively involved in defusing that situation.
Kapoor, born in New Delhi to an Indian father and an American mother, grew up in the U.S. as an American child. He said he never imagined he would one day serve in the region of his birth.
During the hearing, he praised President Donald Trump and expressed gratitude for the nomination. He also thanked his family and friends for their continued support.
Kapoor developed an academic interest in South Asia at the postgraduate level. He quickly began working on the region as a researcher and government official. As a scholar, he has written books and articles on South Asian security and U.S. policy in the region. He has also been involved in educating U.S. military officials about South Asia.
He previously directed the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Project and served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff for South and Central Asia.
In his testimony, Kapoor said the U.S. relationship with South and Central Asian countries holds great potential. With the right policies, these relationships can flourish. He expressed confidence that the goals set by the current Secretary of State would help make the U.S. safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Kapoor pledged to work under President Trump’s leadership in Afghanistan and vowed to bring back American citizens detained there. He also promised to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a hub for terrorism.
In Central Asia, Kapoor said he would implement the regional diplomatic platform known as the C5+1 process. He would use bilateral frameworks to support this initiative. He also emphasized cooperation in energy, critical minerals, counterterrorism efforts, combating international crime, and developing physical and digital infrastructure.
Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the opening remarks at the hearing. He provided guidance on the duties of ambassadorial nominees to various countries.
