Rubio promotes US trade and security ties in Central Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Uzbekistan on Monday to promote trade and ties with Central Asia, amid criticism that he is prioritizing politically safer engagements over pressing foreign policy issues. The trip, which includes a stop in India later this week, aims to strengthen U.S. economic and security ties with Central and South Asia. In Samarkand, Rubio met with counterparts from five Central Asian nations under the C5+1 forum, emphasizing Washington's desire to be a strong partner in the region. The visit follows a White House summit last November where President Donald Trump announced over $130 billion in commercial deals. Rubio described an "incredible delegation" of nearly 300 American businesses, highlighting Central Asia's historical role as a trade crossroads and its potential for investment and export.