External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who is on a formal visit to Manila, said on Tuesday that India firmly supports the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty and will continue to further enhance cooperation in various fields, including defence and security.
India Expresses Support For Philippines Amidst South China Sea Tensions
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who is on a formal visit to Manila, said on Tuesday that India firmly supports the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty and will continue to further enhance cooperation in various fields, including defence and security. “In my own statement, we make three points very clear on that. We regard Clause 1982 as very important; we regarded it as the constitution of the seas. Two, we believe that all parties must adhere to it as I said its entirety, both in the latter and spirit,” he added.
EAM Jaishankar also stressed India’s focus on maritime security and highlighted that the Philippines and India are both important maritime nations and are making exceptional commitments to global shipping.
ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar Arrives At Manila Bay
Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, arrived at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25 March 2024 on a three-day visit. The visit of specialized Pollution Control Vessels is part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstration of ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities and shared concern & resolve towards Marine Pollution in the ASEAN region, besides bolstering bilateral cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ICG ship is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries namely the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei from 25 March to 12 April 2024. The deployment is the third in a row by the Indian Coast Guard to ASEAN countries. Earlier in the year 2023, ICG Pollution Control Vessels visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia as part of the initiative.
Indian Navy Deploys 8 Submarines To Send Clear Message To China
Western Naval Command on March 25, 2024, eight submarines were observed operating together off the Western Seaboard in a recent exercise in the Indian Ocean. This move is reflective of the Indian Navy’s intention to assert its presence and readiness in the IOR amidst the growing maritime assertiveness of the PLA Navy.
Tensions in the South China Sea
Disputes between China and the Philippines over reefs in the South China Sea have escalated, with a recent clash near Second Thomas Shoal marking a significant escalation. Manila has protested against the aggressive actions of China’s Coast Guard and maritime militias.
Looking Ahead
The two countries are progressing on Quick Impact Projects in agriculture, health, and capacity building. Indian companies are active in the ASEAN nation, showing interest in stepping up corporate engagement. As two seafaring nations, India and the Philippines share a common interest in maritime cooperation. With the Philippines set to take over as India’s country coordinator for ASEAN cooperation, there are hopes for deepening ties and building connectivity in the region.
