India supports South China Sea ruling, calls for ‘peace’ in disputed area

"India supports freedom of navigation and over flight and unimpeded commerce, based on principles of international law as reflected notably in UNCLOS," said Ministry of External Affairs.

File Photo: In this photo taken March 29, 2014, Philippines navy personnel motions towards a Chinese Coast Guard to make way as they block them from entering Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued its ruling on July 12, 2016, in The Hague in response to an arbitration case brought by the Philippines against China regarding the South China Sea, saying that any historic rights to resources that China may have had were wiped out if they are incompatible with exclusive economic zones established under a UN treaty. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

After the landmark judgment by international tribunal ruling that China cannot claim “historical” rights on South China Sea, India on Tuesday stood by the verdict saying it supports “freedom of navigation” as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS).

In statement released by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India asserted that all parties should respect the ruling.

“India supports freedom of navigation and over flight and unimpeded commerce, based on principles of international law as reflected notably in UNCLOS,” said MEA.

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Stating that need for peaceful cooperation among the states, MEA added the countries need resist using force in the disputed territory.

“India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability,” the statement said.

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“Sea lanes of communication passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development,” it added.

Earlier, the Philippines had filed an arbitration case in a tribunal in The Hague seeking to strike down China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, China, which demands one-on-one talks to resolve the disputes, has boycotted the case and rejected the verdict.

(With inputs from ANI)

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