India’s position on South China Sea dispute based on UNCLOS, says official

 

MANILA, Philippines—A foreign ministry official of India has said that New Delhi’s stance on the South China Sea territorial dispute is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), the international framework that the Philippines banks on to assert sovereign rights within its border.

“India has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, and our position is based on (Unclos),” Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran of the Ministry of External Affairs told Indian press in a news briefing on Tuesday night when asked about its position on the maritime tensions between the Philippines and China.

“India also believes that any difference between the parties concerned should be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes and without resorting to the threat or use of force,” he added.

Established in 1982, Unclos is deemed the Constitution for the Oceans as it serves as the legal framework for the conduct of maritime activity and the resolution of territorial disputes.

Manila refers to the UNCLOS to claim sovereignty over waters within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Discussions on maritime code of conduct between Beijing and Manila, Kumaran noted, should be “expedited.”

His remark comes as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] made his first state visit to India this week and as three Indian warships joined the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar in a joint patrol in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Warships from India to join PH in patrolling West PH Sea in August

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