Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region

(a) Establishment There is authorized to be in the Department an Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs for matters pertaining to the Indian Ocean region, and such other related duties as the Secretary may from time to time designate. (b) Appointment Not later than April 1, 2026, the President shall nominate an individual, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as the Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region, who shall report directly to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. (c) Responsibilities (1) In general The primary responsibilities of the Ambassador shall be to— (A) ensure harmonization and continuity of United States diplomatic efforts and assistance programs across Indian Ocean region countries; (B) identify the diplomatic, military, economic, and development lines of effort that are of greatest United States strategic interest in Indian Ocean region countries and reinforce United States diplomatic and interagency engagement with respect to such lines of effort; and (C) perform such other duties as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs may from time to time designate. (2) Diplomatic representation Subject to the direction of the President and the Secretary, the Ambassador is authorized to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to advancing United States strategic interests and foreign policy objectives across Indian Ocean region countries in— (A) contacts with regional governments, intergovernmental organizations, specialized agencies of the United Nations, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and other international organizations concerning Indian Ocean region countries of which the United States is a member or which the Secretary of State may designate; (B) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to Indian Ocean region countries; and (C) contacts with nongovernmental organizations that influence United States interests in Indian Ocean region countries. (3) Coordination of responsibilities In order to advance United States interests across Indian Ocean region countries, the Ambassador— (A) shall coordinate efforts to advance United States strategic interests in Indian Ocean region countries within the Department of State, including between the Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, the Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, the Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs; and (B) should participate in any interagency process described in paragraph (1)(B).