India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea 

1. The South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea is a region of strategic importance, characterized by complex territorial disputes, geopolitical tensions, and maritime competition. Understanding the dynamics and implications of the South China Sea dispute is crucial for comprehending contemporary geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Geopolitical Significance

The South China Sea is a vital maritime corridor, through which an estimated one-third of global trade passes annually. It is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas deposits, fisheries, and minerals. Control over this region confers significant economic and strategic advantages, making it a focal point of contention among littoral states and major powers.

Territorial Disputes

Several countries claim sovereignty over various features in the South China Sea, leading to overlapping territorial claims. China asserts historic rights over the majority of the waters through its "nine-dash line" claim, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. These disputes have resulted in frequent tensions, confrontations, and diplomatic standoffs.

Legal Framework

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) serves as the primary legal framework governing maritime rights and responsibilities. However, China's expansive territorial claims and rejection of international arbitration rulings have led to disputes over UNCLOS interpretations and compliance. The Permanent Court of Arbitration's 2016 ruling in favour of the Philippines invalidated China's nine-dash line claim, but Beijing refused to accept the verdict.

Geopolitical Competition

The South China Sea dispute has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, particularly between China and the United States. The U.S. has conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge what it perceives as China's excessive maritime claims, while China has bolstered its military presence and constructed artificial islands with military facilities. This competition has raised concerns about the risk of miscalculation and conflict escalation.

Regional Responses

Countries in the region have adopted diverse strategies to address the South China Sea dispute. Some have pursued diplomatic negotiations and multilateral mechanisms, such as the ASEAN-led Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations, to manage tensions and promote peaceful resolution. Others have enhanced their military capabilities and security partnerships with external powers to safeguard their interests and deter potential aggression.

India's Look East Policy (LEP) represents a significant diplomatic and strategic initiative aimed at enhancing engagement with countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Initially conceived as an economic-centric approach, the policy has evolved to encompass broader geopolitical and security dimensions, reflecting India's shifting priorities and aspirations on the global stage.

Origins and Objectives

The Look East Policy was officially announced by India in the early 1990s, following the end of the Cold War and the onset of economic liberalization. The primary objectives were to foster economic integration with Southeast Asian nations, tap into regional markets, and secure access to vital energy resources to fuel India's growing economy. India sought to leverage its geographic proximity and historical ties with the region to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations.

Economic Integration

One of the central pillars of India's Look East Policy has been the promotion of trade, investment, and connectivity with Southeast Asian countries. India has pursued initiatives such as the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the establishment of economic corridors, and participation in regional forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to facilitate economic engagement and integration. The policy has contributed to expanding India's economic footprint in the region and enhancing bilateral trade volumes.

Strategic Dimension

In addition to its economic objectives, India's Look East Policy has acquired strategic significance in recent years, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical competition and maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. India has sought to deepen defense cooperation, maritime security partnerships, and strategic dialogues with countries in Southeast Asia to counterbalance China's influence and assertiveness in the region. The policy has evolved into a broader Act East Policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, emphasizing not only economic integration but also strategic partnerships and security cooperation.

Geopolitical Implications

India's Look East Policy has broader geopolitical implications, including shaping regional power dynamics, fostering multilateralism, and promoting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. By strengthening ties with ASEAN nations and other regional stakeholders, India aims to play a more active and constructive role in shaping regional security architecture and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. The policy reflects India's aspirations to emerge as a leading player in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the 21st century.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member states in Southeast Asia. Established in 1967, ASEAN plays a crucial role in promoting political stability, economic integration, and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond. 

Evolution of ASEAN

ASEAN was founded in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The primary objective was to promote regional solidarity and economic cooperation amidst the backdrop of Cold War tensions and regional conflicts. Over the years, ASEAN has expanded its membership to include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Objectives of ASEAN

• ASEAN aims to maintain peace, stability, and security in Southeast Asia through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and conflict resolution mechanisms. The organization facilitates diplomatic negotiations and promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes among member states.
•  ASEAN seeks to promote economic growth, trade liberalization, and regional economic cooperation through initiatives such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Investment Area (AIA). These efforts aim to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and foster economic development in the region.
• ASEAN promotes cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and social development initiatives to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties among member states. This includes initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, and disaster management.

Impact of ASEAN

• ASEAN has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia by providing a platform for dialogue, conflict prevention, and crisis management. The organization's emphasis on non-interference and consensus-building has helped mitigate tensions and promote cooperation among member states.
• ASEAN's economic integration efforts have contributed to the region's economic growth and development by facilitating trade, investment, and market access among member states. The establishment of the AEC has created a single market and production base, enhancing economic efficiency and competitiveness.
• ASEAN serves as a diplomatic forum for engaging with external partners, including major powers and international organizations, on regional and global issues. The organization's ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and East Asia Summit (EAS) provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation on security, economic, and socio-cultural matters.

• Initially, New Delhi's engagement with the region was primarily economic, driven by its Look East Policy. This policy aimed to bolster economic integration with Southeast Asia and secure energy resources to fuel India's burgeoning economy.
• The involvement of Indian state-owned enterprises, notably ONGC Videsh, in oil and gas exploration projects in Vietnam's exclusive economic zones underscored India's economic interests in the region and its support for the freedom of exploration and exploitation of maritime resources within the framework of international law, particularly UNCLOS.
• There has been a notable transformation in India's policy orientation, transitioning from Look East to Act East. This shift signifies a move towards a more strategic and proactive engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
• The policy evolution reflects India's recognition of the evolving geopolitical landscape and the imperative for a multifaceted foreign policy approach.
• The Act East Policy not only emphasizes economic integration but also emphasizes strategic partnerships and expanded security cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
• India has concurrently enhanced its own capacities through forward positioning, mission-based deployments, reinforced maritime domain awareness, and the development of deep-water maritime facilities.

• Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea have escalated steadily, driven by China's assertive territorial claims and militarization efforts.
• In response, India's stance has evolved, becoming more nuanced yet less cautious.
• However, this shift in India's position cannot be viewed independently of its intricate relationship with China, characterised by longstanding border disputes and periodic incursions into Indian territory, notably exemplified by the Galwan Valley incident of 2020 and China's recent actions such as renaming Indian villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Galwan Valley incident prompted India to demonstrate its capability for asymmetric deterrence by deploying a frontline warship to the South China Sea.
• China's assertiveness in the region, coupled with its territorial claims along India's land border, poses significant challenges to regional stability.
• In response, India has engaged in strategic manoeuvres, including regular naval exercises and bolstering military cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.
• These actions not only reaffirm India's commitment to regional security but also serve as a counterbalance to China's contentious assertions.

6. India's Strategic Recalibration

Recognizing the critical importance of the South China Sea to regional security and the global maritime order, New Delhi has undertaken a strategic recalibration. This shift is driven by the understanding that disputes in the South China Sea, involving China and several ASEAN countries, have profound implications for principles like freedom of navigation and overflight, which are essential for India's trade and energy transportation routes, as well as those of nations worldwide.

ASEAN's Crucial Role

India's strategic realignment acknowledges the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region. The disputes in the South China Sea underscore the necessity for India to adopt unambiguous positions on critical matters. While India's traditional focus was primarily on the Indian Ocean, its evolving role in the Indo-Pacific theater now extends to the broader maritime domain, where China's ascendancy poses challenges to the existing order.

Support for Rules-Based Order

New Delhi's advocacy for a rules-based international maritime order, particularly its emphasis on UNCLOS, underscores its opposition to unilateral actions that jeopardize regional stability. This stance indirectly challenges China's expansive territorial claims and activities in the South China Sea. It aligns with India's commitment to upholding regional stability and security, positioning it as a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.

Nuanced Approach and Broader Strategy

India's nuanced approach in the South China Sea reflects its broader strategy aimed at safeguarding its interests while contributing to collective efforts to maintain peace, stability, and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite internal differences within ASEAN, India remains committed to bolstering the ASEAN position, recognizing its significance in regional affairs.