India’s position on the South China Sea dispute has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Traditionally neutral, India has become more vocal in its support for freedom of navigation and international law. This change reflects India’s growing economic and strategic interests in the region, as well as its complex relationship with China.
Policy Shift: From Look East to Act East
Economic Focus
Initially, India focused on economic ties with Southeast Asia through its Look East Policy. It aimed to boost economic integration and secure energy resources for its growing economy. Indian companies like ONGC Videsh ventured into projects like oil and gas exploration in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zones, supporting international maritime laws like UNCLOS.
Strategic Engagement
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s approach shifted to Act East. This marks a move towards a more active and strategic involvement in the Indo-Pacific region. Recognizing changing geopolitics, India now emphasizes not just economic ties but also strategic partnerships and security cooperation. This extends to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Building Capacity
India is enhancing its own capabilities to support its Act East Policy. This includes forward positioning, mission-based deployments, improved maritime domain awareness, and the development of deep-water maritime facilities. These efforts aim to strengthen India’s presence and influence in the region.
India’s Relations with China: A Complex Dynamic
Geopolitical Tensions
Tensions in the South China Sea have risen due to China’s strong territorial claims and military buildup. India’s response to these tensions has become more careful but less cautious over time. This change is tied to its intricate relationship with China, which includes ongoing border disputes.
Border Disputes
India and China have a history of border conflicts, exacerbated by events like the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. China’s occasional trespassing into Indian territory and even renaming villages in Arunachal Pradesh have escalated tensions.
Strategic Responses
In response to the Galwan Valley incident, India sent a frontline warship to the South China Sea to demonstrate its military capability. India’s strategic engagements, like naval exercises and military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, aim to uphold regional stability and counter China’s aggressive claims and actions.
ASEAN’s Role in India’s Strategy
Recognizing Regional Importance
India acknowledges the critical role of the South China Sea in regional security and global maritime order. Disputes involving China and ASEAN nations affect freedom of navigation, crucial for India’s trade routes and those of other nations worldwide.
Expanding Periphery
As a key player in the Indo-Pacific, India’s sphere of influence extends beyond the Indian Ocean. China’s growing influence challenges the existing order. India’s strategy must now encompass this wider maritime domain.
Supporting ASEAN
India’s Indo-Pacific strategy prioritizes bolstering ASEAN’s position. However, internal differences within ASEAN pose challenges to this objective. Despite this, India sees ASEAN’s centrality as vital for regional stability.
Advocating for Stability
India advocates for a rules-based international maritime order, particularly emphasizing UNCLOS. This stance opposes unilateral actions threatening regional stability, indirectly challenging China’s expansive territorial claims. India aims to be a responsible stakeholder promoting peace, stability, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific.