The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. relations with the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan's Future

Secretary Kerry (Aug. 18): "My recent travels to Kabul in support of your elections this year underscore both the importance of our long-standing partnership and the significance of the upcoming transition. ... We will continue to strongly support the democratic process and the agreement reached between the two candidates concerning the formation of a national unity government." Full Text»

The U.S. and Pakistan

Secretary Kerry (Aug. 14): "Since Pakistan's historic elections last May, the United States and Pakistan have enjoyed great cooperation across the entire spectrum of issues. ... The United States will continue to invest with Pakistan in our shared security and shared prosperity for one simple reason: because the partnership between our two democracies is essential to the prosperity and security of the region and the world." Full Text»

U.S.-India Strategic Partnership

Secretary Kerry (July 31): "Now that India's new government has won an historic mandate to deliver change and reform, together we have a singular opportunity: to help India to meet its challenge; to boost two-way trade; to support South Asia's connectivity; to develop cleaner energy; to deepen our security partnership in the Asia Pacific and beyond." Full Text» U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue» Trip Page»

The United States and Kazakhstan

Assistant Secretary Biswal (Apr. 1): "It's been said that Kazakhstan has "powerful neighbors and distant friends." Well, let me be clear: the United States may be distant geographically, but our partnership is growing closer every day, and I'm committed to bringing us even closer together. And one of the best ways we can do that is by creating even more opportunities to bring our brightest minds together." Full Text»