India-Vietnam 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue: Strengthening the Rules-Based Order in the Indo-Pacific

India and Vietnam recently convened the 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi, marking a significant step in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The dialogue brought together senior officials from both nations to deliberate on a wide spectrum of maritime issues, including maritime safety, security, and the sustainable development of the blue economy.

A central theme of the discussions was the preservation of a "rules-based order" in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This emphasis is particularly relevant given the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where Vietnam is a major claimant and India has significant economic interests, including oil exploration projects and vital sea lanes of communication.

The dialogue also focused on enhancing operational cooperation between the naval and coast guard forces of both countries. This includes information sharing, capacity building, and joint exercises aimed at combating non-traditional security threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. Furthermore, the two sides explored avenues for collaboration in the "Blue Economy," focusing on marine scientific research and the sustainable management of ocean resources.

For India, Vietnam remains a pivotal pillar of its 'Act East Policy' and a key partner in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The strengthening of maritime ties with Vietnam allows India to project its role as a 'Net Security Provider' in the region while ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight. This dialogue underscores the growing strategic convergence between the two nations in addressing common challenges in the maritime domain.