India backs PH sovereignty over WPS

India supports the Philippines in asserting its sovereignty and sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid disputes with China.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated the importance of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, calling it the 'constitution of the seas'.

He reaffirmed India's clear position in supporting the Philippines and honored the validity of the 2016 UNCLOS ruling, which invalidated China's claims on Philippine waters.

A recent incident involved a China Coast Guard vessel water cannoning a Filipino resupply boat and attempting to obstruct the mission with a floating barrier, though the resupply mission was accomplished.

Jaishankar expressed India's willingness to be a 'charter member' of the Philippines' efforts against China's aggression in the South China Sea, stating they can be the country's 'ship' in upholding international rules-based laws.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated that support from like-minded countries like India is an important development for the Philippines in upholding the international rules-based order.

Both leaders expressed that the Philippines and India share common interests, particularly in maintaining peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region.