India Supports the Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions
India has expressed strong support for the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, condemning actions that seek to alter the status quo by force. This comes after a recent incident where a Philippines Navy personnel was severely injured when China’s coast guard seized two Filipino ships on a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s opposition to destabilizing actions and called for peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Philippines, a key strategic partner for India in Southeast Asia, has faced increasing aggression from China in the Spratly Islands, with China employing “gray zone tactics” to assert its claims. In response, India has bolstered its defense ties with the Philippines, including delivering the first battery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in April. India’s support for the Philippines was also highlighted during external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Manila in March, where he reaffirmed India’s backing of the Philippines’ national sovereignty and adherence to international law.
These developments occur amidst India’s ongoing military standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has strained bilateral relations. India’s revised stance last year, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines, underscores its commitment to a rules-based order in the region.
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