Rubio Visits Central Asia Amid Criticism He's Avoiding Key Crises

Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed Washington on his 31st foreign trip, heading to Uzbekistan and India, amid criticism that he is prioritizing politically safe visits over pressing crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. The trip aims to promote economic and security ties with Central and South Asia, but critics, including former NATO ambassador Ivo Daalder, say Rubio has largely avoided the capitals and negotiations that define his office. The State Department defends the schedule, arguing Rubio is deeply involved in behind-the-scenes discussions on major conflicts. Rubio has focused on Latin America and Arctic relations, while special envoys handle public-facing roles on Iran, Gaza, and Russia-Ukraine. His deputy, Christopher Landau, dismissed the criticism as elitist, asserting the administration is remaking a failed foreign policy establishment.