WASHINGTON — India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, met with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at the U.S. State Department on Thursday, marking their second discussion within four days. Both sides said the meetings focused on advancing shared strategic interests and strengthening the India–U.S. partnership.
Kapur posted about the meeting on X, noting, “Discussed common interests and ways to advance the U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to continuing the conversation.” Earlier this week, Kwatra hosted Kapur at India House, where he said the two held an “engaging discussion” on bilateral priorities.
The latest meeting came on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump said he intends to visit India soon, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “friend” and “a great man.” Trump recalled his 2020 visit to India and said a return trip could take place as early as next year.
Kapur, who was sworn in on October 22, is regarded as a key figure in shaping U.S. policy across South and Central Asia. Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, he previously served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, worked on Indo-Pacific strategy, and has led India–U.S. defense dialogues. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he said his new role “has come full circle,” given his personal and academic ties to the region.
He emphasized that the United States and India share core interests, including maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, expanding trade, supporting technological cooperation, and ensuring energy access. He also noted that security cooperation with Pakistan would be pursued only where it aligns with U.S. interests.
The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs plays a central role in advancing U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security engagement across the region. (Source: IANS)
