May 16:
On May 14, two US House members from the Foreign Affairs Committee proposed a bill to strengthen America's strategic involvement in the Indian Ocean area.Legislation requiring the creation of a multi-year strategy and implementation plan for coordinated regional development, diplomatic, and military initiatives was introduced by Congressmen Joaquin Castro and Darrell Issa.
"The Indian Ocean Region is of paramount importance," Castro stated, adding that the US cannot ignore it as it increases its involvement in the Indo-Pacific. With a population of almost 40% and spanning three continents, the Indian Ocean Region is an important hub for global innovation and economic development. With the Indian Ocean Strategic Review Act, which I am pleased to introduce, the United States will be able to better coordinate its diplomacy, defence, and development efforts with those of its allies and partners in the region and throughout the globe. This will help ensure that everyone may look forward to a future free of war and prosperity.
The Bipartisan US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which was established in 2000 to assess and report on the US-China relationship, suggested the idea of the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act. According to the Commission's report from 2022, the US administration should present an IOR strategy outlining their intentions to, among other things, advance US economic interests in the area, protect freedom of navigation, lend assistance to regional allies, and foster collaboration with countries like Japan, Australia, India, the UK, and France.
During the introduction of the bill on May 14, Issa stressed the need to combat "China's aggression" in order to accomplish the objectives outlined in the IOR policy.
It is in America's national interest to engage with the Indian Ocean Region as we aim to confront China's aggression and build a winning Indo-Pacific strategy. It deserves the top spot in America's policy decisions since it is where fast economic development and extensive global trade meet. Together with Representative Castro, I am introducing the Indian Ocean Strategic Review Act to place much-needed emphasis on this vital region of the globe and our role in it, as part of our efforts to forge closer ties and more robust collaborations in the Indian Ocean Region," Issa stated.
It is worth noting that during a discussion in Washington in February 2024, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu admitted that while the US was a "big force" in diplomatic matters related to the Indian Ocean region, India was a significantly "bigger force" in the area. While on a state visit to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from May 10–15, Lu was spotted in India not long ago.
