US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur to Visit Nepal

Kathmandu. As preparations are underway for Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Nepal, US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur is set to arrive for a three-day visit. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources, he is scheduled to arrive in Nepal on Monday for an official visit. 

This is considered the highest-level visit during the tenure of the current government formed after the Gen-Z movement. Kapur, known as a close associate of US President Donald Trump, also oversees South and Central Asian affairs. 

President Trump appointed Kapur in Falgun 2081, replacing former Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu. His appointment sparked significant discussion due to his Indian heritage; he was born in India to an Indian father and an American mother. 

Former Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu visited Nepal four times during his tenure. He is widely credited with playing a major role in the implementation of the MCC in Nepal. The MCC was passed by parliament following his high-level meetings in Nepal at the time. 

Assistant Secretary Kapur's upcoming visit to Nepal is being viewed as highly significant. 

Kapur, a former professor at the US Department of National Security Affairs, also served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during the final year of President Trump's previous term from 2020-21, where he was responsible for South Asian affairs. A former professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School, Kapur was once analyzed as a staunch critic of Pakistan, though his role in the mediation between Iran and the US facilitated by Pakistan has also been noted. 

During his time as a State Department official, he established himself as an expert in South Asian security, nuclear strategy, and international relations. He has conducted research specifically on India-Pakistan relations, terrorism, and regional security. 

Amidst growing geopolitical competition in South and Central Asia, Nepal's foreign policy is currently a subject of discussion. The steps taken by the Balen-led government in the diplomatic sphere have garnered attention. It is reported that Assistant Secretary Kapur will exchange views with Nepal on regional stability, security, and cooperation. 

He is expected to hold high-level meetings, including with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. However, it remains uncertain whether a meeting with Prime Minister Balen will take place.