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Source: The post India’s new position in the South China Sea dispute has been created, based on the article “India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
News: The article discusses India’s changing foreign policy towards the South China Sea. It details India’s support for countries like the Philippines against China’s maritime claims, emphasizing India’s shift from economic interests to strategic security concerns in the region.
For details information on Indian presence in the South China Sea read here
What is India’s new position in the South China Sea dispute?
Support for the Philippines: India expressed full backing for the Philippines in their sovereignty dispute with China, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Manila in March 2024.
Adherence to International Law: India advocates for China to respect the 2016 International Court of Justice ruling favoring Manila and to follow the rules-based maritime order.
Increased Strategic Engagement: Transitioning from the Look East to Act East Policy under Modi’s administration, India emphasizes stronger strategic and security cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region.
Counter to China’s Claims: India’s shift includes increased naval activities and military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, acting as a deterrent against China’s aggressive territorial assertions in the South China Sea.
How has India’s foreign policy evolved?
From Economic to Strategic Focus: India’s foreign policy shifted from the economic-driven Look East Policy to the more comprehensive Act East Policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This emphasizes not only economic integration but also strategic partnerships and expanded security cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Proactive Geopolitical Strategy: India recognizes the changing geopolitical dynamics and has adopted a more proactive and multifaceted approach. This includes forward positioning, mission-based deployments, reinforced maritime domain awareness, and the development of deep-water maritime facilities.
How do India’s relations with China influence its South China Sea policy?
Historical Border Tensions: India’s relationship with China is strained due to long-standing border disputes, notably intensified by the Galwan Valley incident in 2020 where China made incursions into Indian territory.
Military Posturing: In response to these tensions, India deployed a frontline warship to the South China Sea, showcasing its capability for asymmetric deterrence against China’s military actions.
Strategic Alignments: India’s evolving South China Sea policy is a direct counter to China’s assertive territorial claims. Regular naval exercises and strengthening military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries are part of India’s strategy to ensure regional security and counter China’s influence.
What role does ASEAN play in India’s strategy?
Central to Regional Strategy: ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial to India’s strategic recalibration, as India aims to support ASEAN in maintaining regional stability against Chinese dominance.
Support for Maritime Norms: India advocates for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, principles vital to both ASEAN’s and India’s economic and security interests.
Challenges within ASEAN: Despite internal differences within ASEAN affecting collective actions, India continues to emphasize the importance of ASEAN unity to effectively counter challenges in the South China Sea.
Question for practice:
Discuss India’s evolving foreign policy towards the South China Sea and its implications for regional security and strategic alliances.
