India backs PH in upholding sovereignty in South China Sea

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed support for the Philippines in upholding its sovereignty in areas within its territory in the disputed South China Sea following a dangerous water cannon attack that heavily damaged a Philippine vessel and injured at least three Filipino Navy personnel.

At the same time, both India and the Philippines vowed to step up cooperation in various fields, particularly on defense, security, maritime and economy in face of growing regional challenges.

At a joint press briefing with Philippine counterpart Foreign Affair Secretary Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar underlined the need for a rules-based order in the strategic resource-rich waters being claimed by China nearly in its entirety despite an international tribunal ruling that denigrated such assertion.

“We are convinced that the progress and prosperity of this region Is best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order, the UNCLOS. It is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety both in letter and in spirit. I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty,” Jaishankar said.

‘As the world changes, It is essential that countries like India and the Philippines cooperate more closely to shape the emerging order.” — RSJ, GMA Integrated News