New Delhi: Even as China and the Philippines have been scaling up their confrontation in the South China Sea in recent days, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday (March 26) expressed support for Manila’s effort to uphold its national sovereignty.
However, he did not explicitly reaffirm India’s stance regarding China’s obligation to comply with the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated Chinese claims.
The Indian foreign minister is on a tour of Southeast Asia, travelling to Manila after a stop at Singapore.
On Tuesday, he met with Filipino foreign minister Enrique A. Manalo and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Junior.
At a press appearance in Manila with his counterpart, Jaishankar stated that prosperity in the region is “best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order”, highlighting the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a foundational aspect of this approach.
“All parties must adhere to it [the UNCLOS] in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit. I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” he said.
Jaishankar’s statement came against the backdrop of the latest escalation in tensions between China and the Philippines after two Chinese coast guard ships hit a supply boat of the Filipino navy with water cannons on Saturday.
This is part of a series of confrontations between the countries in the high seas, with China attempting to dislodge Philippines forces from the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Along with summoning the charge d’affaires of the Chinese embassy, the Philippines had lodged its “strongest protest” against the actions of the Chinese coast guard.
Meanwhile, China responded that relations between the two countries were at a crossroads.
While Jaishankar’s backing of Filipino sovereignty during this period is significant, the absence of India’s “evolved” stance on the 2016 award is also noteworthy.
In July 2016, an arbitration tribunal set up under the UNCLOS had ruled in favour of the Philippines government, which had petitioned against China’s aggressive actions in the disputed oil-rich waters of the South China Sea.
China did not participate in the arbitration process, has consistently argued that the 2016 ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal is illegal and has refused to acknowledge the ruling.
Initially, India had merely “noted” the order for seven years, maintaining a neutral position.
However, in June 2023, India shifted its position and advocated for compliance with the 2016 Arbitral award, as stated in a joint statement with the Philippines.
Amid renewed tensions in the region in August 2023, India reiterated its call for adherence to international law. However, the external affairs ministry spokesperson did not make any reference to the 2016 ruling.
Similarly, Jaishankar did not bring up the alleged change in India’s position regarding the international arbitration order established under the UNCLOS on Tuesday in Manila.
During discussions between the foreign ministers, the attacks by the Houthis on vessels in Red Seas were also discussed.
“Further, noting both of our countries’ significant contributions in merchant shipping, we explored possible cooperation to ensure the safety of Indian and Filipino seafarers such as those working on board merchant vessels plying the Red Sea,” said Manalo.
He also expressed gratitude for the Indian Navy’s response to the distress call of the MV True Confidence, which led to the safe return of 13 Filipino seafarers.
