Rubio visits Uzbekistan to boost US-Central Asia trade and security ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sunday for his first official visit to Central Asia, leading a delegation of over 200 American business executives to strengthen trade and investment ties. Rubio is scheduled to meet foreign ministers from all five Central Asian republics on Monday under the C5+1 framework, with discussions focused on trade, critical minerals, regional security, and economic cooperation. The visit also includes the US-Uzbekistan Business Council aimed at expanding commercial ties. Following Uzbekistan, Rubio will travel to India for his second official visit this year, including stops in Mumbai and Jamnagar. The trip comes after President Trump paused sanctions on Russian fuel importers, with Rubio noting India's energy needs as an important ally.