Scott, Kaine, Rubio, Coons Introduce Legislation to Bolster U.S. Strategic Engagement in the Indian Ocean Region

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, introduced the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act. This legislation aims to advance our diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the critically important Indian Ocean region by requiring a multi-year strategy and implementation plan for U.S. engagement with regional partners and allies.

“The Indian Ocean region spans three continents and 35 countries, and is critical for global commerce and U.S. economic security,” said Senator Scott. “To compete with an increasingly aggressive China and ensure freedom of navigation, we must have a comprehensive approach to this dynamic region. That’s why I am proud to partner with my colleagues in introducing this forward-looking legislation to ensure that the complexities and significance of the Indian Ocean region are not overlooked within our broader Indo-Pacific strategy.”

“The People’s Republic of China is moving aggressively to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean region, and the United States needs to respond smartly and strategically,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen U.S. leadership and engagement, as well as cooperation among our partners, in the Indian Ocean region. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, I will continue to look for opportunities to counter China’s growing global footprint by strengthening America’s alliances and relationships in the Indo-Pacific.”

“It’s crucial for America to work alongside our allies and partners who are facing increasing threats from Beijing’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Rubio. “We must ensure both our national security interests and our values, as well as those of our allies, are upheld and defended.” 

“The United States has expanded our diplomatic presence and strengthened our alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and we should continue to build on this success,” said Senator Coons. “China is acting in the region with unrestrained aggression towards its adversaries and neighbors. This region is vital to global trade and innovation, and the United States must work with our partners in the region to deter China’s aggression towards its neighbors and ensure their actions do not endanger our shared security or prosperity. I am proud to help lead the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act to advance our interests in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrate our commitment to the region.”

The Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act would require coordination across the U.S. Department of State, U.S. 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 states that it is U.S. policy to: 

• Strengthen diplomatic relations with allies and partners through bilateral engagement and active participation in regional organizations.
• Foster greater security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region by building upon existing agreements with strategic partners, like India.
• Enhance economic connectivity and commercial exchange between the United States and Indian Ocean region countries.
• Cooperate with partners and allies to maintain freedom of navigation within the international waters of the Indian Ocean region.
• Enhance the ability of regional governments and NGOs to respond, prepare, and mitigate environmental disasters.

The legislation would also provide a more comprehensive definition of the “Indian Ocean region” for the purposes of U.S. strategic planning, encompassing the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and the littoral areas surrounding the Indian Ocean, including the East Coast of Africa.

The full text of the Indian Ocean Region Strategic Review Act is available here.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission recommended the creation of a comprehensive strategy for U.S. engagement in the Indian Ocean region in their 2022 annual report. Congressmen Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) and Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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