Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The South China Sea dispute, involving overlapping territorial claims by several countries – primarily China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan – is a significant geopolitical flashpoint. India, while not a direct claimant, has substantial economic and security interests in the region. Recent escalations in tensions, including China’s assertive actions and increased military presence, have prompted India to articulate its position more clearly. India’s approach is characterized by a commitment to freedom of navigation, upholding international law, and fostering a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, while simultaneously managing its complex relationship with China.
India’s Core Principles and Stance
India’s position on the South China Sea dispute is guided by several core principles:
- Adherence to International Law: India consistently emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes peacefully through adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. India views UNCLOS as the foundational legal framework for maritime activities.
- Freedom of Navigation and Overflight: India strongly supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the SCS, crucial for its trade and energy security. Approximately US$200 billion of India’s trade passes through the SCS annually (as of 2023 knowledge cutoff).
- Non-interference and Respect for Sovereignty: India maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and respects the sovereignty of all claimant states.
- Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation: India advocates for a multilateral approach to resolving the dispute, emphasizing the role of regional forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).
India’s Actions and Engagement
India’s engagement in the SCS region has evolved over time, reflecting its growing strategic interests:
- Enhanced Naval Presence: India has increased its naval deployments in the Indo-Pacific, including the SCS, primarily for maritime domain awareness and anti-piracy operations. These deployments demonstrate India’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and contributing to regional security.
- Bilateral Cooperation: India has strengthened defense and security cooperation with countries in the region, particularly Vietnam, Philippines, and Singapore. This includes joint naval exercises (e.g., with Vietnam since 2018), defense equipment sales, and intelligence sharing.
- Oil and Gas Exploration: In 2018, ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) was invited by Vietnam to undertake oil and gas exploration in blocks within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that are disputed by China. This move, while commercially driven, signaled India’s willingness to assert its interests in the region.
- Support for ASEAN Centrality: India consistently supports ASEAN centrality in regional security architecture and actively participates in ASEAN-led mechanisms.
- Quad Cooperation: India’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) – with the US, Japan, and Australia – has indirectly contributed to maintaining a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and countering China’s assertive behavior.
Challenges and Balancing Act
India faces several challenges in navigating the SCS dispute:
- Managing Relations with China: India’s close economic ties with China and the unresolved border dispute necessitate a cautious approach. Taking a strongly confrontational stance against China could have significant economic and strategic repercussions.
- Avoiding Entanglement: India is wary of being drawn into a direct conflict between other claimant states and China. It prefers to play a role as a responsible stakeholder, promoting peaceful resolution.
- Limited Military Capabilities: While India’s navy is growing, it still lags behind China’s in terms of overall capabilities. This limits India’s ability to project power effectively in the SCS.
- Balancing Competing Interests: India needs to balance its strategic interests with the need to maintain good relations with all countries in the region, including China.
Recent Developments
In recent years, India has subtly but consistently reiterated its support for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The increasing frequency of joint military exercises with countries like the US, Japan, and Australia, along with its growing engagement with ASEAN, demonstrates India’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in the region. India has also voiced concerns over China’s increasing militarization of artificial islands in the SCS.
| Aspect | India's Position |
|---|---|
| UNCLOS | Strongly supports as the legal basis for maritime activities |
| Freedom of Navigation | Upholds freedom of navigation and overflight |
| Dispute Resolution | Advocates for peaceful resolution through dialogue and international law |
| China Relations | Cautious approach, balancing strategic interests with economic ties |
Conclusion
India’s position on the South China Sea dispute is one of cautious engagement and strategic balancing. It prioritizes upholding international law, ensuring freedom of navigation, and fostering regional cooperation while carefully managing its relationship with China. India’s approach is not about taking sides but about safeguarding its own interests and contributing to a stable and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Going forward, India will likely continue to strengthen its partnerships with like-minded countries and enhance its naval presence in the region, while remaining committed to peaceful resolution and dialogue.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.