(GIST OF YOJANA) India’s strategic engagement in south china sea

(AUGUST-2024)

India’s strategic engagement in south china sea

Context:

The South China Sea (SCS) is a marginal sea of about 800,000 square kilometers in the western Pacific Ocean enclosed by various Asian states mainly China, Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It is also the cynosure of one of Asia’s long-standing geopolitical contentions, namely the SCS dispute. The presence of an estimated 3.6 billion barrels of petroleum and other liquids and 40.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves are the original bone of contention among the developing littoral states of the SCS. This area is connected to the world by important trade entryways like the Strait of Malacca which sees an upwards of $3 trillion worth of trade pass through each year.

India’s Strategic Interests in the SCS

The SCS holds significant strategic importance for India due to its economic, security, and geopolitical interests. Economically, the SCS is a vital maritime trade route, with a considerable portion of global trade passing through its waters. For India, the Malacca Strait, which connects the Indian Ocean to the SCS, is particularly crucial as it is a major artery for Indian trade with East Asia.
As per Bhatt’s (2023) conclusive findings, "over 80 percent of India’s trade is dependent upon sea lines of communication ... India finds strong market and trade synergies with Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN as much as it does with China."
Ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight in the SCS is thus essential for India’s economic prosperity and energy security. India’s Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing economic and strategic ties with East Asian countries, further underscores the strategic importance of the SCS.
As part of this policy, India has been strengthening its engagement with countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, all of which have territorial disputes with China in the SCS. These partnerships aim to enhance maritime security, promote economic cooperation, and counter Chinese dominance in the region.
India’s deepening defence and economic ties with these countries pave the way for further enhancing India’s strategic presence in the region. Any disruption in the region could have far-reaching consequences for India’s security and maritime interests. India has therefore been advocating for a rules-based order in the region, based on the principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Balancing Act: India’s Approach to the South China Sea Dispute

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in outlining India’s foreign policy visions, aims, and objectives, has emphasized several key principles that guide India’s approach to international relations, especially the SCS dispute. These principles are particularly relevant in the context of the South China Sea (SCS) disputes, where India’s stance is shaped by its strategic interests and long-term objectives.
One of the central tenets of India’s foreign policy is the concept of non-alignment and strategic autonomy. India seeks to maintain its independence and flexibility in foreign relations, avoiding entanglements in power blocs and alliances.
This approach is evident in India’s cautious and balanced stance on the SCS disputes, where it seeks to uphold the principles of international law while avoiding direct confrontation with China.
But at the same time, India also advocates for a pragmatic approach in its foreign policy, focusing on India’s national interests and leveraging global contradictions to secure strategic advantages. In the context of the SCS, this pragmatic approach guides India’s efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with countries in the region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, to counterbalance China’s growing influence and establish a rule-based environment that is conducive for regional stability and multilevel cooperation.

Way forward and Conclusion

India’s strategic interest and presence in the SCS reflects a multifaceted approach driven by economic, security, and geopolitical imperatives. The region’s significance as a vital maritime trade route, coupled with India’s expanding economic ties with ASEAN and East Asia, underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific for India’s foreign policy objectives. India’s Act East Policy acts as an important enduring link for promoting economic integration thus strengthening security cooperation in the region.
The evolving dynamics in the SCS, marked by territorial disputes and great power competition, have tapped India’s proactive engagement to safeguard its economic interests and contribute to flourishing regional stability. While India’s presence in the SCS is not aimed at confrontation with China, it is a testimony of India’s commitment to upholding international maritime law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the area.
The recent oil and gas exploration agreement with Vietnam and the focus on joint maritime activities with like-minded partners highlight India’s strategic imperative to secure its maritime interests and contribute to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Moving forward, India’s continued engagement in the SCS will be guided by the principles of inclusivity, peaceful resolution of disputes, and commitment to a fair and open maritime order, aligning with its broader vision of promoting regional security and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.