During a significant declaration in Manila, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed “I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” This announcement was made during a press event alongside Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, following their discussions.
Jaishankar emphasized India's unwavering support for the Philippines, marking a clear expression of New Delhi's stance on the South China Sea controversy. This stance aligns closely with the United States, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently reinforced the U.S.'s staunch commitment to defending the Philippines, amidst escalating tensions with China in the region.
Recent weeks have seen aggressive encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the contested waters, with one incident involving a Chinese coast guard ship attacking a Philippine boat with a water cannon, resulting in injuries to Filipino crew members.
Jaishankar, in his press statement, said “As a nation deeply invested in this region because of its Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision, India follows all developments with great interest.” “We are strongly supportive of ASEAN’s centrality, cohesion and unity. 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,” he said, in an apparent reference to China.
In Beijing, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said “Maritime disputes are issues between the countries concerned. Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever.: “We urge relevant parties to face squarely the facts and truth on the South China Sea issue, and respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and the efforts of regional countries to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a question when asked about Jaishankar’s remarks.
Highlighting India's deep engagement in the Indo-Pacific through its Act East policy, “Our cooperation is growing in the sense that not only are we pursuing newer activities, such as training and joint committee meetings, but also exploring other ways where we can contribute to the security of both our countries as well as to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains open and peaceful, and is a region of peace and development,” he was quoted as saying by the Philippine News Agency.
“Valued his warm sentiments towards the India-Philippines partnership. His guidance for taking it to new areas will strengthen collaboration between our two democracies,” Jaishankar tweeted.
During his visit, he engaged with the National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the Philippines.
“Discussed strengthening our defence partnership, reflecting our shared interests and many convergences in the Indo-Pacific. Look forward to enhancing capabilities, intensifying exchanges and closer contacts,” Jaishankar posted about his meeting with Teodoro.
Earlier, Jaishankar took to social media to discuss his discussions with his counterpart Manalo.
“Warm and productive meeting with @SecManalo of Philippines. Wide-ranging discussion on advancing ties in political, defence, security & maritime cooperation, trade & investment, infrastructure, development cooperation, education, digital, technology, culture and consular domains,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The duo also exchanged perspectives on global, regional, and multilateral matters such as the Indo-Pacific, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), developments in West Asia, the situation in Ukraine, the role of the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations.
“As two democracies committed to a rules-based order, look forward to intensifying our cooperation,” he said.
When questioned about India's intentions to expand defense cooperation with the Philippines amidst developments in the South China Sea, Jaishankar said: “You need to look at that cooperation on its own merits. It is not necessarily linked to a particular situation.
“But it’s natural today that two countries whose trust and comfort is growing so rapidly that we will look at various new areas of cooperation. And certainly defence and security is one of them,” he said.
Highlighting the shared interest in maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, Manalo emphasized the ongoing discussions on defense and security cooperation between India and the Philippines.
Jaishankar underscored the significance of maritime security and safety for every nation, particularly in India's case. He reiterated the natural inclination towards bolstering defense and security cooperation as the bilateral relationship evolves.
Acknowledging the notable progress in India-Philippines relations, Jaishankar mentioned the bilateral trade crossing the USD 3 billion mark last year, expressing confidence in its continuous growth trajectory.
Emphasizing the potential of maritime cooperation between two seafaring nations of the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar highlighted the agreements signed last year on enhanced maritime cooperation and white shipping.
He reiterated discussions on shared interests in ensuring maritime safety, considering the significant contributions of both countries to the global shipping industry.
Jaishankar stressed the importance of adhering to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in its entirety, both in principle and practice.
Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Jaishankar expressed confidence in the promising opportunities awaiting them.
China, maintaining its claim over the South China Sea.
Read also | India Stands with Manila Amidst South China Sea Tensions with Beijing
