India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea – UPSC

India’s stance on the complex dynamics of the South China Sea reflects a nuanced approach shaped by a delicate balance of geopolitical interests, strategic imperatives, and regional stability concerns. Situated at the confluence of major maritime trade routes and home to contested territorial claims, the South China Sea holds immense significance for India’s economic and security interests. While not a claimant state in the disputes, India has consistently advocated for the freedom of navigation and overflight in these waters, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, India’s engagement in the region is not solely driven by concerns over China’s expansive maritime ambitions; it also seeks to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations through economic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and multilateral forums. As such, India’s approach to the South China Sea imbues a delicate balance of assertiveness, cooperation, and pragmatism, reflecting its commitment to preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tags: GS – 2, Bilateral Groupings & Agreements– Important International Institutions– Regional Groupings– Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests- Look East to Act East 

For Prelims: South China Sea, Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, the Natuna Islands and Scarborough Shoal, ASEAN, UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippines, Taiwan, Luzon Strait, Malacca Strait, Nine-dash line, Senkaku Islands, Aegean Sea, Exclusive Economic Zones, Act East Policy. 

For Mains: Significance of the South China Sea and Related Issues. 

Context:  

• India’s External Affairs Minister expressed full support for the Philippines’ sovereignty during his visit to Manila in March 2024. This support comes amidst the ongoing South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China. 
• Recent joint statements between India and Philippines reflect a departure from India’s previous cautious and neutral stance on the South China Sea. A 2023 joint statement called for China to adhere to maritime rules and respect the 2016 ICJ ruling in favour of the Philippines. 

South China Sea (SCS): 

• Located in Southeast Asia, the South China Sea is a branch of the western Pacific Ocean. 
• Bordered by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan (ROC). 
• Notable features include the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal. 

Geopolitical Significance: 

• Vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Malacca. 
• One-third of global shipping, valued in trillions, traverses its waters annually. 
• Rich marine biodiversity supports Southeast Asian fisheries, ensuring regional food security. 
• Estimated vast oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed attract economic interest. 

Strategic Importance: 

• Crucial for international trade, serving as a major transit route for energy supplies to key economies like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. 
• Geopolitical tensions arise due to territorial disputes among neighbouring countries. 
• High traffic volume underscores its status as one of the world’s busiest waterways. 

The Various Ongoing Disputes in South China Sea (SCS):  

1. Disputes over Sovereignty: 

• In the northern part of the SCS, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam contest sovereignty of the Paracel Islands; China has occupied them since 1974. 
• In the southern part of the sea, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam each claim all of the approximately 200 Spratly Islands, while Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines, claim some of them. 
• In the eastern part of the sea, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal; China has controlled it since 2012. 
• China’s “nine-dash line” and Taiwan’s similar “eleven-dash line” overlap with the theoretical 200-nautical-mile (nm) Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) that five Southeast Asian countries—Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—could claim from their mainland coasts under the 1994 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

2. Dispute over Freedom of the Seas: 

• The United States and most other countries interpret UNCLOS as giving coastal states the right to regulate economic activities within their EEZs, but not the right to regulate navigation and overflight through the EEZ, including by military ships and aircraft. 
• China holds the minority view that UNCLOS allows them to regulate both economic activity and foreign militaries’ navigation and overflight through their EEZs. 
• UNCLOS allows state parties to claim 12-nm territorial seas and 200-nm EEZs around their coastlines and “naturally formed” land features that can “sustain human habitation.” 
• Naturally formed land features that remain above water at high tide, but which are not habitable, are entitled to 12-nm territorial seas, but they are not entitled to 200-nm EEZs. 

3. Dangerous Encounters at Sea: 

• The U.S. and other governments have accused PRC military and non-military ships and aircraft of conducting unsafe manoeuvres in and over the SCS that put other regional actors at risk. 
• The U.S. The Department of Defense (DOD) reported a “sharp increase in unsafe and unprofessional behaviour” by PRC military ships and aircraft in 2021-2022. 

4. Tensions Between China and Other Claimants: 

• Over the past decade, tensions escalated notably between China and the Philippines. In 2013, following a confrontation at Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines initiated arbitration under UNCLOS against China’s actions in the SCS. 
• In 2016, an UNCLOS arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s nine-dash line claim lacked legal basis and that China violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights by interfering with Philippine vessels and engaging in reclamation work in the Philippines’ EEZ. 

5. China’s Artificial Islands: 

• From 2013 to 2015, China conducted extensive land reclamation in the Spratly Island chain, creating approximately five square miles of artificial landmasses on disputed sites. 
• China militarised these outposts, deploying advanced missile systems and military infrastructure, surpassing other claimants’ reclamation efforts in scale and militarization. 

6. Dismantled Regional Cooperation: 

• China and ASEAN have been negotiating a code of conduct for the SCS since 2002. However, progress has been hindered, with observers alleging that China’s prolonged negotiations aim to consolidate its position in the region. 

The Stand of India With Respect to South China Sea: 

1. Change in India’s Position: 

• In July 2016, after an arbitral tribunal ruled on the Philippines’ case against China’s actions in the South China Sea, India merely acknowledged the award, avoiding taking sides to maintain neutrality. 
• However, in 2020, India shifted its stance, emphasising the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to international law, marking a departure from its previous neutral position. 

2. Joint Military Exercises: 

• In May 2019, the Indian Navy conducted joint exercises with the U.S., Japanese, and Philippine navies in the South China Sea, followed by exercises with several other countries in subsequent years. 
• India’s participation in joint exercises with ASEAN states in May 2023 marked a significant milestone in its engagement in the region. 

3. Increased Military Cooperation: 

• India has augmented its military cooperation with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, exemplified by the export of 100 BrahMos missiles in In January 2022 to the Philippines and  In June 2023, the delivery of a light missile frigate to Vietnam(became first country ). 

4. Complex Relationship with China: 

• India’s evolving stance on the South China Sea is intertwined with its complex relationship with China, marked by long standing border disputes and periodic tensions, including incursions into Indian territory and recent border clashes like the Galwan Valley incident of 2020. 

Reasons for India’s Shift in South China Sea Policy: 

1. Strategic Importance of Southeast Asia: 

• India views Southeast Asia as a crucial gateway to the Indian Ocean, with strategic interests, freedom of navigation, and access to oil and gas resources driving its expanded involvement. 
• Concerns about potential escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, threatening India’s dominance in the Indian Ocean, have prompted increased Indian presence in the region. 

2. Look Act-East Policy: 

• India’s transition from the Look East Policy to the Act East Policy underscores a strategic shift towards more active engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• This policy evolution reflects India’s recognition of the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for proactive foreign policy, emphasising economic integration, strategic partnerships, and security cooperation. 

3. Trade Security: 

• With half of its foreign trade passing through the Malacca Strait, India prioritises free and secure navigation in the South China Sea to safeguard its trade interests. 
• Despite lacking maritime disputes with China or ASEAN countries, India’s intervention in the South China Sea issue is driven by the imperative of trade security. 

4. Energy Resource Diversification: 

• Indian state-owned enterprises, such as ONGC Videsh, engage in oil and gas exploration projects in Vietnam’s EEZs, reflecting India’s economic interests and support for freedom of maritime resource exploration. 
• This diversification of energy resources aligns with India’s commitment to international law, particularly UNCLOS, in the face of regional tensions. 

5. Alignment with the United States: 

• India finds common cause with the United States in the Indo-Pacific, as both countries share interests in promoting a rule-based world order and countering China’s dominance in the South China Sea. 
• Membership in the Quad underscores this alignment, strengthening India’s resolve to engage in South China Sea disputes. 

6. Responsibility as an Indo-Pacific Stakeholder: 

• India’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific requires it to take clear positions on critical issues, moving beyond its traditional focus on the Indian Ocean. 
• As a responsible stakeholder, India supports ASEAN centrality and endeavours to bolster regional stability despite internal differences within the ASEAN grouping. 

The Future Trends Likely to be Witnessed by India in SCS: 

1. India’s Strategic Calculations in the South China Sea: 

• India’s deepening trade, investment, and defence ties with ASEAN nations incentivize it to assert its regional ambitions through involvement in the South China Sea disputes. 
• By taking a more active stance, India aims to complicate and internationalise the disputes, potentially altering the regional dynamics. 

2. Countering China’s Border Advantages: 

• India perceives its increased involvement in the South China Sea as a means to offset China’s advantages along the Sino-Indian border. 
• Following the Galwan Valley clashes in May 2020, India has intensified its engagement in the South China Sea, viewing it as a strategic lever to restrain China’s strengths along the border. 

3. Collaboration with the United States: 

• India anticipates support from the United States to intervene in South China Sea disputes, leveraging ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. 
• With stable relations between India and China uncertain in the aftermath of border conflicts, India seeks to capitalise on opportunities for collaboration with the U.S. to counterbalance China’s regional influence. 

The Various Ways to Mitigate the Crisis in South China Sea: 

• Leverage Economic Options: The United States and claimant countries could impose sanctions on Chinese entities involved in illegal activities in the South China Sea. They could also clarify that any Chinese military actions would prompt a strong U.S. response, utilising available mitigating measures. 
• Encourage Other Nations to Align Against China: Affected nations could informally collaborate to condemn China’s actions or issue formal declarations and resolutions in international forums like ASEAN or the United Nations. Additionally, they could conduct joint military exercises in specific areas of the South China Sea to assert regional unity. 
• Enforce a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea: Involved countries could establish and enforce a code of conduct in the South China Sea with like-minded nations. This would delineate responses to provocative Chinese actions, including ramming or buzzing, and even traditional measures like boarding and seizure. 
• Enhance Security Cooperation and Assistance to Southeast Asian Countries: In 2023, new Bilateral Defense Guidelines bolstered U.S. security pledges under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. They stipulated that any armed third-party attacks on Philippine armed forces, Coast Guard, aircraft, or public vessels in the South China Sea would trigger U.S. mutual security obligations under the treaty. 
• Propose Discussions About Arms Control and a Mutual Reduction: SCS countries could negotiate operating farther from China’s military outposts in exchange for demilitarising those islands. The United States could advocate within regional institutions and privately press China to adhere to international norms. 
• Fostering Dialogue: ASEAN leaders should seek a political solution through quiet diplomacy, recognizing the limitations of legal methods. Greater understanding among ASEAN nations is crucial to conveying a unified message to China. 
• India’s Advocacy for a Rules-Based International Maritime Order: India’s emphasis on a rules-based international maritime order, particularly UNCLOS, challenges unilateral actions threatening regional stability. It positions India as a responsible stakeholder committed to regional security. 
• Continue FONOPs But No Closer than Twelve Nautical Miles of Contested Features: The U.S. and claimant countries could conduct FONOPs while maintaining a safe distance from contested features. This would avoid provoking China while upholding freedom of navigation principles. 
• Improving Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Capabilities: Enhancing claimants’ maritime reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities would deter China and enable coordinated responses to its attempts to alter the status quo. These defensive measures are desirable for nontraditional security missions. 
• Enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness: In 2022, The U.S. seeks to improve allies’ and partners’ maritime domain awareness in the South China Sea through initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue , promoting regional stability and security. 

Conclusion: 

Thus, India’s escalating involvement in the South China Sea may unsettle China, yet it faces constraints due to lacking strong alliances and military presence compared to the United States. India’s primary focus remains on maintaining dominance in the Indian Ocean rather than supplanting China in the South China Sea. Despite aligning more closely with the Philippines and the U.S. India aims to avoid provoking China, constrained by its traditional nonaligned stance and strategic autonomy. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims: 

Q:1  Consider the following pairs: (2018) 

Regions sometimes  Country mentioned in news 

1. Catalonia — Spain 
2. Crimea — Hungary 
3. Mindanao — Philippines 
4. Oromia — Nigeria 

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 

(b) 3 and 4 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 2 and 4 only 

Ans: c 

Q:2 Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of the global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective? (2011) 

(a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War 

(b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India 

(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period 

(d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its preeminent maritime character 

Ans: (d) 

Q:3  Consider the following countries: (2018) 

1. Australia 
2. Canada 
3. China 
4. India 
5. Japan 
6. USA 

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? 

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 

(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 

(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 

(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 

Ans: c 

Q:4 Consider the following countries: (2009) 

1. Brunei Darussalam 
2. East Timor 
3. Laos 

Which of the above is/are member/members of ASEAN? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: C 

Mains: 

Q:1 Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016) 

Source:   (TH) 

FAQs

Q: What is India’s stance on the South China Sea dispute?

India advocates for the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India supports the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.

Q: Does India have any territorial claims in the South China Sea?

No, India does not have any territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, as a major stakeholder in maritime trade and security, India has expressed concerns over any escalation of tensions in the region that could impact global commerce and stability.

Q: How does India contribute to security in the South China Sea?

India participates in multilateral naval exercises and patrols in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, to uphold maritime security and promote cooperation among like-minded nations. Additionally, India engages in capacity-building efforts with regional countries to enhance their maritime capabilities and infrastructure.

Q: Is India aligned with any specific country in the South China Sea dispute?

India pursues a balanced and nuanced approach in the South China Sea issue, maintaining strategic partnerships with various countries in the region while refraining from taking sides in territorial disputes. India seeks to foster constructive dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Q: What economic interests does India have in the South China Sea?

India, as a major trading nation heavily reliant on maritime routes for its energy and trade needs, has a keen interest in the stability and security of the South China Sea. Ensuring freedom of navigation and access to vital sea lanes is essential for India’s economic growth and energy security, prompting its active engagement in the region’s affairs.

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