The Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Sarah B. Rogers has highlighted the United States’ expanding partnerships through commercial diplomacy, cultural preservation, and digital freedom as she concluded a two-weeks tour of South and Central Asia.
Speaking at the U.S. Department of State’s London International Media Hub on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, Rogers said the visits to India, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan reinforced America’s commitment to the region as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.
“Across all four stops, three priorities guided every conversation: commercial diplomacy, cultural preservation, and connectivity via digital freedom and innovation,” Rogers stated.
In India, she joined Ambassador Eric Garcetti at IIT Delhi to promote the TRUST Initiative focused on trusted technology, artificial intelligence, and critical emerging technologies.
In Nepal, Rogers delivered the keynote address at the Ascent Summit and advanced implementation of a $550 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact.
In Uzbekistan, she signed a joint statement launching a new Fulbright program focused on critical minerals and energy.
In Turkmenistan, Rogers served as a judge for Shark Tank-style pitches presented by young entrepreneurs participating in the C5+ONE programme.
On cultural preservation, Rogers visited U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation sites in Nepal’s Patan Durbar Square and dedicated the largest project of its kind in Central Asia at Uzbekistan’s Registan Square in Samarkand.
In Turkmenistan, she observed the restoration of a 5th-century Buddha head in partnership with the Getty Museum and rode a UNESCO-recognised Akhal-Teke horse.
Rogers stressed the importance of open information ecosystems as engines of development.
“Open information ecosystems and free speech aren’t just humanitarian values; they are keystones of economic growth and innovation,” she said, noting that the American Center in Ashgabat provides Turkmenistan’s only free, uncensored public internet access.
The trip built on President Trump’s hosting of C5 heads of state and Secretary Rubio’s recent visit to India, Rogers added, signaling continued U.S. investment in the people and shared future of South and Central Asia.
