Rubio begins tour to strengthen strategic partnership with Central Asian countries

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a tour of Central and South Asia from Uzbekistan, seeking to strengthen trade ties with countries in the region. Rubio arrived in Uzbekistan heading a large delegation of 200 business leaders. Before departing Washington, the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized the “important relationship” between the United States and the countries of the region, describing the visit as strategic. On Monday, Rubio will participate in a ministerial meeting of the “C5+1” format, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. President Trump hosted the leaders of these five countries at the White House in November 2025. A senior State Department official noted that Washington wants to “enhance partnership across Central Asia,” particularly in the energy sector. Another senior U.S. official, who requested anonymity, said Rubio’s tour “was planned several months ago and represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen U.S. presence in a region of significant global importance.” After Uzbekistan, Rubio will head to India, where he will visit Mumbai and then Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat. The two cities are major industrial centers and key international ports. This will be the U.S. Secretary of State’s second official visit to India this year, following his first in May to New Delhi and Kolkata, reflecting Washington’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the country. During his visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar, Rubio will blend diplomacy and business by meeting with leaders of Indian companies.