**India Calls on China to Abide by 2016 Ruling on South China Sea Dispute**
– India has joined the Philippines in urging China to adhere to a 2016 ruling that rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea (SCS).
– The call was made during a meeting between Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo.
– The joint statement emphasized the need for a peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the SCS.
– This is the first time India has explicitly called on China to abide by the ruling, marking a significant shift in India’s position.
– The bilateral ties between India and China have been strained since the 2020 eastern Ladakh stand-off.
**Background:**
– The 2016 ruling, which was in favor of the Philippines, declared China’s nine-dash line claim and its reclamation activities in Philippine waters as unlawful.
– India had previously called for respect for UNCLOS, but had not directly asked China to adhere to the ruling.
– The G7 countries had also backed the 2016 ruling, describing it as a useful basis for resolving disputes peacefully.
– Japan, India’s Quad partner, has repeatedly called on China to abide by the ruling in its own territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea.
**Implications:**
– India’s explicit call on China to abide by the 2016 ruling reinforces its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
– It signals India’s growing assertiveness in the face of China’s assertive behavior in the region.
– The joint statement also highlights the deepening defense cooperation between India and the Philippines, with India offering a concessional Line of Credit to meet the Philippines’ defense requirements.
– India and the Philippines also expressed satisfaction at their ongoing cooperation in ASEAN and other multilateral forums, particularly on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and counterterrorism.
In conclusion, India’s call on China to abide by the 2016 ruling on the South China Sea dispute marks a significant shift in India’s position and reinforces its commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The joint statement between India and the Philippines also highlights the deepening defense cooperation between the two countries and their shared interests in multilateral issues.
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