Maritime Resolve

The growing maritime partnership between India and Indonesia reflects a broader regional alignment to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.

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The call by the leaders of both nations to resolve disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signals a unified approach to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific. China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, marked by its "nine-dash line," overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several nations, including Indonesia. This unilateral assertion of sovereignty, coupled with aggressive actions like blocking ships and deploying water cannons, has heightened tensions. Indonesia, though not a claimant in the traditional disputes, has repeatedly rejected China's territorial claims that encroach on its exclusive economic zone in the Natuna Islands region. India's stance on the matter has been consistent and principled. As a nation committed to a rules-based international order, India has supported ASEAN nations in maintaining their sovereignty and maritime rights. The reiteration of these principles during the Indonesian President's recent visit reinforces New Delhi's resolve to protect freedom of navigation and the lawful use of the seas. This partnership underscores the shared understanding that a stable maritime domain is vital not only for regional security but also for the economic prosperity of billions of people dependent on these waters.