India firmly supports Philippines sovereignty: Jaishankar in wake of South China Sea incidents
Story highlightsExternal Affairs Minister Jaishankar outlined India’s maritime deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter threats, including the Indian Navy’s role in operations to rescue nationals of many countries, including the Philippines.
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar, standing alongside Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila, has reiterated New Delhi’s unwavering support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty.
The development comes amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, as aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against a Philippines boat near Ayungin Shoal on March 23 sparked international concern.
“I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” stated Jaishankar, emphasising the importance of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the cornerstone of maritime governance.
The South China Sea Arbitration of 2016, which ruled in favour of the Philippines against China, serves as a legal framework reinforcing the Philippines’ claims over Ayungin Shoal and clarifying maritime entitlements in the region.
Warm and productive meeting with @SecManalo of Philippines.
Wide ranging discussion on advancing ties in political, defense, security & maritime cooperation, trade & investment, infrastructure, development cooperation, education, digital, technology, culture and consular… pic.twitter.com/NLf557FFs3
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 26, 2024
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The Indian minister highlighted, “We are also convinced that the progress and prosperity of this region is best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order. UNCLOS 1982 is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit.”
In a joint presser, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo highlighted the “harassment” faced by Filipino vessels near Ayungin Shoal and underscored the backing of over 20 countries, emphasising the finality of the 2016 arbitral award.
Jaishankar outlined India’s maritime deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter threats, including the Indian Navy’s role in operations to rescue nationals of many countries, including the Philippines.
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He said, “I also briefed him about the Indian Navy’s deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter ongoing threats. And he has spoken about the rescue of MV True Confidence by one of our ships, INS Kolkata. And there have been some other instances, I think since then, MV, Lila Norfolk, as well which involved some crew from the Philippines.”
In advocating for a multipolar Asia, EAM Jaishankar called for closer cooperation between India and the Philippines in shaping the emerging global order.
Discussions between the two sides were on several issues including the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Indo-Pacific, Myanmar, and Ukraine.
“We are both nations who value the autonomy of decision making and favour a multi-polar world, with a multi-polar Asia at its core,” affirmed Jaishankar.
Jaishankar is on a three-country visit, to Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines.
