India Backs 2016 South China Sea Ruling; Stresses Peaceful Resolution, Freedom Of Navigation Under UNCLOS

Last Updated:July 15, 2026, 07:35 IST

India reiterates support for freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution under UNCLOS amid renewed international focus on China's maritime claims.

India on Tuesday reiterated its long-standing position on the South China Sea, underlining the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded commerce in accordance with international law while reaffirming support for the landmark 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China’s expansive maritime claims in the disputed waters.

Speaking at the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the South China Sea issue remains “clear and well-known" and is guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“India’s position on the South China Sea issue is well known. We emphasise the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS," Jaiswal said.

He added that maritime disputes must be settled peacefully in accordance with international law.

“We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS, and reiterate that the award rendered 10 years ago by the arbitral tribunal is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties," Jaiswal said.

In response to another query, the MEA spokesperson also described the tribunal’s decision as “a significant milestone and a basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes among the concerned parties."

REMARKS COME AFTER JOINT STATEMENT BY 14 COUNTRIES

India’s comments came two days after the United States, the United Kingdom and 12 other countries issued a joint statement marking the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016, arbitral award delivered by the tribunal constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS.

The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia and the Philippines signed the statement.

The countries reaffirmed their commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and rules-based," while stressing that the tribunal’s ruling remains “final, legally binding, and definitive" between China and the Philippines on the maritime claims covered in the case.

The joint statement also reaffirmed the tribunal’s conclusion that “there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including those based on ‘historic rights.'"

COUNTRIES CALL FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

The 14 nations urged all parties to resolve maritime disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms consistent with international law and UNCLOS.

They also reiterated their “strong opposition to any destabilising or unilateral actions, including by force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region."

Emphasising the importance of maritime security, the countries underlined the need to uphold freedom of navigation, overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea.

The statement further expressed “strong opposition to the use of coast guard, military and maritime militia forces to harass, obstruct, intimidate lawful operations by other states at sea or in the air," warning that such actions endanger personnel and fishermen while undermining regional peace and security.

2016 RULING REMAINS AT THE CENTRE OF DISPUTE

July 12 marked 10 years since the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague delivered its unanimous award in the case initiated by the Philippines against China under UNCLOS.

The tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China’s claims based on its so-called “Nine-Dash Line," which covers roughly 80 per cent of the South China Sea. It ruled that any claimed historic rights were incompatible with the maritime zones established under UNCLOS.

China rejected the ruling and has continued to refuse to recognise the tribunal’s decision.

India has consistently advocated a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and has emphasised adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, in resolving maritime disputes.

The South China Sea remains a strategically significant region and a major source of hydrocarbons, with overlapping territorial claims involving China and several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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