• UGI USER
  • Apr 19, 2024
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INDIA’S NUANCED APPROACH IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.
  • Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests,

Why in the News?

  • In March 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, articulated India’s full support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty.
Source: Forbes
  • This statement was made amid the ongoing South China Sea/West Philippine Sea dispute between Manila and Beijing, which witnessed arguably its most intense and volatile year in 2023, with frequent tensions at sea and diplomatic friction

Focus:

  • Tis editorial examines India’s evolving approach in the South China Sea, highlighting key aspects of its policy evolution, strategic recalibration, complex ties with China, and the ASEAN factor.

Policy Evolution

  • Economic Roots: Initially driven by economic interests, India’s engagement with the region was primarily through its Look East Policy, aiming to enhance economic integration with Southeast Asia.
  • UNCLOS Adherence: Indian state-owned enterprises, like ONGC Videsh, participated in oil and gas exploration projects in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zones, demonstrating India’s economic stakes in the region and its support for UNCLOS.
  • Strategic Shift: The transformation of India’s policy orientation from Look East to Act East under PM Modi’s administration marked a shift towards a more strategic and active engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Energy Security: India’s engagement in the South China Sea region is also driven by its need for energy resources to fuel its growing economy, leading to investments in oil and gas exploration.
  • Diplomatic Cooperation: India has engaged in diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with countries in the region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, to counterbalance China’s influence.

Strategic Recalibration

  • Emphasis on Act East: India’s Act East Policy emphasizes not only economic integration but also strategic partnerships and expanded security cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
  • Strengthening Capacities: India has strengthened its own capacities through forward positioning, mission-based deployments, reinforced maritime domain awareness, and deep-water maritime facilities in the region.
  • Naval Engagements: India has increased its naval engagements in the South China Sea, participating in joint exercises and patrols to enhance maritime security and stability.
  • Multilateral Cooperation: India has engaged in multilateral forums, such as the Quad, to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and counter China’s assertiveness.
  • Infrastructure Development: India has also invested in infrastructure development in the region, including ports and connectivity projects, to enhance its strategic presence.

Complex Ties with China

  • Historical Border Disputes: India and China have a long history of border disputes, which have intensified since the Galwan Valley incident of 2020.
  • Trade Imbalance: India’s trade deficit with China has also influenced its approach to the South China Sea, as it seeks to diversify its trade and reduce dependence on China.
  • Strategic Competition: India sees China’s growing influence in the region as a strategic challenge and has responded by strengthening its own partnerships and engagements.
  • Military Posturing: India has increased its military posturing along the border with China, including in the maritime domain, to deter any aggressive actions.
  • Regional Balancing: India has sought to balance China’s influence in the region by strengthening ties with countries like Japan, Australia, and the US, which share similar concerns.

The ASEAN Factor

  • Acknowledging Importance: India’s strategic recalibration has been driven by a recognition of the South China Sea’s critical importance to regional security and the global maritime order.
  • Upholding Freedom of Navigation: Disputes in the South China Sea, involving China and several ASEAN countries, have implications for the freedom of navigation and overflight, vital for India’s trade and energy transportation routes.
  • Advocacy for Rules-Based Order: India’s advocacy for a rules-based international maritime order, especially its emphasis on UNCLOS, reflects a stance against unilateral actions that threaten regional stability.
  • Economic Partnerships: India has also sought to deepen economic partnerships with ASEAN countries to enhance its influence in the region.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: India has focused on enhancing cultural and people-to-people ties with ASEAN countries to build stronger relationships and promote regional stability.

Challenges:

  1. China’s Assertiveness: China’s assertive actions and territorial claims in the South China Sea pose a significant challenge to regional stability and security.
  2. Border Disputes: India’s ongoing border disputes with China, especially along the Line of Actual Control, have strained bilateral relations and could escalate tensions in the region.
  3. ASEAN Unity: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces challenges in maintaining unity and a cohesive stance on the South China Sea issue, which could weaken its ability to counter Chinese assertiveness.
  4. Military Build-up: The militarization of the South China Sea by China and other claimant states increases the risk of accidental clashes and raises tensions in the region.
  5. International Law Adherence: Ensuring adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, in the South China Sea is challenging, given the reluctance of some countries to abide by its provisions.

Way Forward:

  1. Diplomatic Engagement: Continued diplomatic engagement and dialogue among all stakeholders, including ASEAN countries and China, are essential to peacefully resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
  2. Rules-Based Order: Upholding and promoting a rules-based international order, especially adherence to UNCLOS, is crucial for ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.
  3. Enhanced Maritime Cooperation: Strengthening maritime cooperation among regional countries, including India, through joint patrols, exercises, and information sharing, can help build trust and enhance security.
  4. Conflict Prevention Mechanisms: Developing and implementing effective conflict prevention mechanisms, such as hotlines and communication channels, can reduce the risk of accidental clashes.
  5. Capacity Building: Enhancing the maritime capabilities and capacities of countries in the region, particularly ASEAN nations, can help them better respond to challenges in the South China Sea.

Conclusion

India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea reflects its broader strategy to safeguard its interests while contributing to a collective effort to maintain peace, stability, and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific region. This approach is characterized by a shift from economic to strategic interests, a more assertive stance on international maritime law, and a recognition of the ASEAN’s centrality in regional security.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

India’s evolving approach to the South China Sea reflects a strategic shift in its foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region. Discuss India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea, highlighting its historical context, policy evolution, and strategic implications. How does India’s stance on the South China Sea contribute to regional security and stability?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/south-china-sea/