The Philippines and India have begun a crucial dialogue aimed at tackling maritime security issues, particularly in the contentious South China Sea. This significant step in their bilateral relations comes as both nations have grown increasingly concerned over rising tensions in the region. India’s involvement signals a growing recognition of the strategic importance of the South China Sea, not just for Southeast Asia but for the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights from the Philippines-India Maritime Talks
On December 13, 2023, the Philippines and India held their first Track 1 Maritime Dialogue in Manila. Leading the talks were Marshall Louis Alfarez, Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Oceans Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, and Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Affairs at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The dialogue marked a pivotal moment in strengthening maritime cooperation between these two countries.
India’s Growing Role in the South China Sea
India’s decision to engage more actively in maritime issues stems from its increasing concerns over China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea. India, which shares land disputes with China, has made it clear that it will not stand by as China continues to assert its expansive territorial claims over international waters. India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific is firmly anchored in supporting international law and the rights of all nations to navigate these global commons without interference.
The 2023 Indian Standard Map sharply criticizes China’s territorial claims, aligning with the Philippines’ stance on the region. India, by calling out China’s expansionist behaviour, is signalling its intent to bolster its maritime security collaboration with the Philippines. Both countries are now looking to expand navy-to-navy engagement and deepen their cooperation on maritime security to ensure the stability of the Indo-Pacific.
Maritime Cooperation: A Win-Win Strategy
Both the Philippines and India view maritime security as a critical issue for their national interests. In a joint statement, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international order, underscoring the importance of respecting the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which remains the legal backbone for maritime activities worldwide. This agreement provides the legal framework for all maritime activities and ensures the fair exercise of maritime rights across nations.
Key areas of discussion included:
- Multilateral engagement: Both nations agreed to explore further opportunities for multilateral cooperation on maritime security.
- Maritime capacity building: Sharing best practices and enhancing capabilities to improve safety and security at sea.
- Information sharing: A commitment to bolster intelligence-sharing and operational coordination to prevent maritime security threats.
- Sustainable practices: Discussions also included ensuring marine biodiversity and protecting the marine environment from harmful practices.
Tackling China’s Expansionist Agenda
The core issue at the heart of the Philippines-India maritime talks is China’s aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea, particularly over the West Philippine Sea. China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claim, which extends far beyond its internationally recognised waters, has been a source of conflict for years. Despite the 2016 Arbitration Award which declared China’s claims to be unlawful, the situation has yet to de-escalate.
In response to these tensions, the Philippines and India have taken a firm stand. Both countries expressed their support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which dismissed China’s sweeping claims. This international legal decision provided clarity and reaffirmed the rights of all nations to operate freely in the South China Sea. The Philippines and India’s unified stance is a critical signal to China that the region’s peace and stability are non-negotiable.
Moving Forward: Strengthening Regional Maritime Security
The bilateral talks between the Philippines and India are not merely about strategic defence cooperation—they also aim to foster regional prosperity. The Indo-Pacific is a key economic region, with vital shipping lanes passing through the South China Sea. These sea routes are crucial for global trade, and any disruption to their free use can have far-reaching economic consequences.
To this end, both nations are exploring initiatives that support economic cooperation and resilient supply chains. Ensuring that vital sea lanes remain secure is essential for the uninterrupted flow of goods, and both nations recognise the need to collaborate in this area. Furthermore, both India and the Philippines have committed to improving search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance in the region. By enhancing their maritime domain awareness, they aim to better monitor and respond to threats.
Expanding Navy and Coast Guard Cooperation
In the wake of the dialogues, one of the most important outcomes has been an agreement to expand naval cooperation. This includes possible hydrographic cooperation, and the establishment of sister port arrangements that could improve port security and efficiency. India’s navy, one of the largest in the region, and the Philippines’ Coast Guard will likely play a pivotal role in future maritime security operations. As part of the ongoing cooperation, both countries are exploring the possibility of joint exercises and operations to enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities.
The Road Ahead: A Stronger Partnership
The success of the Philippines-India maritime dialogue is clear, but the real test will come in the years ahead. The second round of talks will be hosted by India in 2025, and it is expected that both nations will continue to deepen their partnership. With growing tensions in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, the stakes are high. Both the Philippines and India understand that regional stability and freedom of navigation must be protected at all costs.
In conclusion, the maritime dialogue between the Philippines and India represents a vital step in strengthening security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. As both nations continue to navigate their respective challenges with China, their cooperation will be crucial in maintaining peace, promoting economic prosperity, and ensuring the security of global trade routes. The growing partnership between these two nations serves as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating the power of unity in facing common threats.
