Washington, Feb. 14 -- In another appointment aimed at prioritizing the US's relations with India, the Donald Trump administration has tapped Paul Kapur, an expert on India-Pakistan security and nuclear issues, to be the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. If confirmed, Kapur will become only the second Indian-descent US diplomat overseeing the South Asia bureau, which is tasked with managing diplomatic ties with India and the region.

"Paul Kapur of California to be Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs," a US press release stated. Kapur will replace Donald Lu, who oversaw the South Asia bureau during the Joe Biden regime.

A strong backer of close US-India relations and a harsh critic of Pakistan, Kap...