On Tuesday, two lawmakers of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee presented the Indian Ocean Region Stategic Review Act in a bid to enhance United States’ strategic engagement with the Indian Ocean, given the region’s strategic significance amid the geo-political turmoil in the region.
Texas Democrat Joaquin Castro posted a tweet on social media platform X quoted “Darrell Issa and I just introduced a bill to strengthen engagement with the Indian Ocean Region – an area home to 40% of the world population. As the U.S. deepens involvement in the Indo-Pacific, we can’t afford to overlook the Indian Ocean.”
“To highlight the Indian Ocean’s role in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen engagement with countries in the Indian Ocean region, promote economic and security cooperation with the governments in the Indian Ocean region, and for other purposes” is the main motive of the bill which was introduced in the US House of Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act
The Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act, sponsored by Joaquin Castro (Democrat, Texas) and Darrell Issa (Republican, California), is based on a recommendation from the bipartisan U.S. Economic and Security Review Commission on China, a body created to report on US-China relations in 2000.
The Commission’s November 2022 report had recommended that the US government should establish a strategy for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that includes programs to advance US economic interests in the region, protect freedom of action, support regional partners, and enhance cooperation with Japan, Australia., India, England and France and others.
Details of this bill are yet to be seen, but reports indicate that it will focus on many key areas such as security cooperation, economic cooperation and diplomacy.
Strengthening cooperation with allies in the region and strengthening the US military in developing foreign relations to deter potential enemies, promoting free trade agreements and improving economic relations with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region, and solving regional problems and promoting democratic values.
Read the full text of the Bill here!
Importance of Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indo-Pacific has been at the center of US foreign policy in recent years. The region is home to one of the fastest growing economies and maritime economies in the world. The bill reflects growing concerns about China’s growing presence in the region.
China’s growing economic and military influence in the region has caused concern among US policymakers. The passage of this bill reflects a bipartisan desire to counter this influence and ensure a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
How this act will benefit China, America and India?
This plan helps countries work together in a big region (Indo-Pacific) that’s growing fast. If we talk about how this will benefit three countries, namely America, China and India. So it feels safe for America, sells more things and keeps China in checks. For China, trade is still in flux, but it can be played well and India will gain a good friend with a lot of money, which is accepted.
The Indo-Pacific bill is a double-edged sword for China and the US. China may benefit from a stable and prosperous region but may be under pressure to comply with global rules. The United States offers security and economic opportunities but risks facing challenges from the US-China trade war.
India is seen as the winner, receiving security support, economic growth and global recognition. But the success of the strategy depends on resolving conflicts and everyone working together.
180 days of the Act becoming a law
The proposed rule requires coordination of three key agencies—State, Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—in coordinating and implementing the Indian Ocean Strategy (IOR). The strategy calls for the United States to strengthen its foreign relations in the region by participating in regional organizations.
The United States Secretary of State will be required to submit, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, a “multi-year strategy and implementation plan” for the United States’ “engagement and participation” in the region.
The bill also requires the government to work closely with island nations, as well as India, Japan, Australia and others, to promote trade and economic development. This bill requires the U.S. government to increase the capacity of local governments and nongovernmental organizations to address and reduce environmental disasters.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched on February 11, 2022, the United States Department of Commerce has worked collaboratively with allies and partners to build an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.
The Indo-Pacific strategy is expected to have a significant impact on US foreign policy in the coming years. This bill sends a strong signal of America’s commitment to the region and its determination to create a peaceful and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific region.
