India-ASEAN Strategic Dialogue: Upholding UNCLOS and Maritime Order in the South China Sea

In a significant move to bolster regional maritime security, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During a bilateral strategic dialogue, both parties emphasized that UNCLOS serves as the primary legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea.

The reaffirmation comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, where unilateral attempts to alter the maritime status quo have threatened regional stability. By advocating for the 'freedom of navigation' and 'overflight,' India and ASEAN are signaling a collective stance against maritime assertiveness that bypasses international legal norms. For India, this alignment is a cornerstone of its 'Act East' policy and the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which envisions a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The South China Sea is a vital artery for global trade, with a significant portion of India’s commercial shipping passing through these waters. Any disruption or territorial overreach directly impacts India’s economic and energy security. Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the necessity of a peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, without resorting to the threat or use of force. This supports the ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, ensuring that such an agreement does not prejudice the legitimate rights of third parties under UNCLOS.

From a governance perspective, this development underscores the importance of multilateralism and the role of regional blocs like ASEAN in maintaining a rules-based international order. It reflects India’s growing role as a 'net security provider' and a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific region.