Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA)

For 250 years, America has been the greatest nation on Earth — and with God’s grace, it will be for 250 more. Happy Independence Day!

All over the world, our embassies and consulates have been celebrating 250 years of glorious American Freedom. 🇺🇸🦅

Read: state.gov/releases/offic…

🇺🇸🤝🇹🇯 Great to welcome Foreign Minister Muhriddin to Washington yesterday for the U.S.-Tajik Annual Bilateral Consultations — the first under this Trump Administration following a four-year pause! Our cooperation is only increasing. From border security to economic growth, the U.S.-Tajik relationship will deliver for both our peoples. -- S. Paul Kapur

Met with Tajikistani Foreign Minister Muhriddin to discuss expanding commercial opportunities in critical minerals. We also talked about our continued cooperation in security and counterterrorism and the importance of engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform.

Thrilled to have my friend @USAmbIndia Ambassador Gor join us at the second Pax Silica Summit. India is a vital Pax Silica partner—driving pro-innovation regulation, trusted AI infrastructure, and resilient supply chains. We look forward to continuing to build trusted ecosystems that will power the AI economy for decades to come.

Outcomes of the Second Pax Silica Summit state.gov/releases/offic…

🇰🇿Kazakhstan has joined Pax Silica, a global initiative advancing AI, innovation, and resilient technology supply chains. At the Pax Silica Summit, DPM-AI Minister @Zhaslan_Madiyev signed the Pax Silica Declaration and the Joint Statement on the AI Opportunity Partnership. The agreements will help expand investment, accelerate the development of AI infrastructure and advanced technologies, and strengthen #Kazakhstan’s position as a regional digital and innovation hub.

Today, 35 nations signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, aligning behind a PRO-GROWTH, PRO-INNOVATION regulatory approach for the AI era. A commitment to trusted supply chains, to mobilizing the private sector, and the infrastructure that will power the next century. The future of AI will not be determined by who regulates first. It will be determined by who builds first and builds the most capacity. More energy. More compute. More chips. More talent. More builders. A future where we ACCELERATE INNOVATION AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT is welcomed. Together, we aspire to build an AI future that serves our peoples, strengthens our economies, and empowers entrepreneurship, innovation, and the rule of law.

Met with Maldives’ private sector reps for dinner to discuss country’s gas, energy, and tourism sectors. - S. Paul Kapur

Securing the 21st Century Together! Pax Silica is a U.S.-led strategic initiative to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain. As the world adopts new technology, it is essential that India and the United States work hand-in-hand together.

Visited the Thilafushi Port project site to understand the vision for a central logistical and distribution hub for international commerce in Maldives. The United States looks forward to working with Maldives on Thilafushi port project and unlocking its potential for long-term economic growth. - S. Paul Kapur

Pleased to meet with Maldives Minister for Economic Development, Transport, and Trade Mohamed Saeed. We discussed a number of business issues that can advance prosperity for our peoples.- S. Paul Kapur

Appreciated meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Adam to discuss opportunities in maritime security and critical infrastructure. - S. Paul Kapur

Met today with Maldivian President Muizzu in Malé. Discussed a number of economic and security issues important to our two countries..  - S. Paul Kapur

On June 25 and 26, @UnderSecE will host a two-day Summit for Pax Silica partner economies. Participants will include current Pax Silica Declaration signatories, representatives from affiliate economies, and senior executives from leading companies building and financing the technologies that will underpin the AI era. Details here: state.gov/releases/offic…

C5+1 Business Roundtable & Reception was held in Houston to advance U.S. investment in energy and critical minerals in Central Asia. Thank you @USGLC and @AsiaSociety for making this event possible. Perfect timing for business leaders to meet Central Asian government leaders, as they are in town for Uzbekistan's historic debut at the #FIFAWorldCup, first time 🇺🇿 qualified for the tournament.

From pharma to digital services to manufacturing, Sri Lankan companies are exploring real investments in the United States. Wonderful to discuss opportunities with #SelectUSA delegates in Colombo to keep that momentum going. - S. Paul Kapur

Meaningful discussion with Pathfinder Foundation about enhancing maritime infrastructure and securing regional trade routes vital to U.S. and Sri Lanka’s economic and security interests. - S. Paul Kapur