Issa, Castro Introduce Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act
WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) – both senior members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee – introduced the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act. This bipartisan legislation would enhance U.S. strategic engagement with the Indian Ocean region by requiring the development of a multi-year strategy and implementation plan for coordinated regional military, diplomatic, and development initiatives.
“As we seek to counter China’s aggression and establish a winning Indo-Pacific strategy, America’s engagement with the Indian Ocean Region is critically important to our national interest. It is a point of intersection of widespread global trade and rapid economic growth, and it warrants a priority position in America’s policy choices. As we work to deepen our relationship and strengthen our partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region, I’m joining with Rep. Castro to advance the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act and bring needed focus on this critical part of the world and our future in it,” said Rep. Issa.
“As the United States deepens our engagement in the Indo-Pacific, we can’t afford to overlook the importance of the Indian Ocean Region,” said Rep. Castro. “Home to nearly 40 percent of the world’s population and stretching across three continents, the Indian Ocean Region is a vital center of economic growth and innovation. I’m glad to introduce the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act, which will streamline U.S. diplomacy, defense, and development coordination with our allies and partners to build a free, safe, and prosperous future for the Indian Ocean Region and the world.”
The bill would further require coordination across the Department of State, Department of Defense, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to ensure a cohesive approach to engagement in the Indian Ocean region. Specifically, the legislation would:
- Strengthen diplomatic relations through active participation in regional organizations and bilateral engagements.
- Build upon existing agreements with strategic partners like India to foster military communication and intelligence sharing.
- Encourage commercial exchanges and economic development by working closely with countries in the region, including island nations and key partners like India, Japan, and Australia.
- Ensure freedom of navigation and protect international shipping lanes that are vital for global trade.
- Enhance the ability of regional governments and NGOs to respond, prepare, and mitigate environmental disasters.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
In 2022, the Annual Report of the Bipartisan US-China Economic and Security Review Commission recommended the creation of an Indian Ocean strategy. During the 117th Congress, a previous version of the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act was included in the House-passed version of the America COMPETES Act.