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India seeks bigger role in South China Sea

Sunday, 22 March 2015 12:27 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 22 March 2015 12:26 AM ]

Sanjay Sethi
Press TV, New Delhi

Asia’s third-biggest economy, India is now becoming more forceful in asserting its presence in the South China Sea. India has warned of a strong reaction and the use of force, if ever required.

The South China Sea is believed to hold huge oil and gas reserves beneath its seabed. It is estimated that over 200 billion barrels of oil and large amounts of natural gas lies in the disputed waters. Both India and China want to secure the energy resources as their economies are expanding at a fast pace.

Both countries need the constant flow of fuel. India on it's part has bought stake in the Vietnamese Gas Field and its oil rigs are drilling off the Vietnamese coast. Meanwhile, China sees this as an intrusion into an area that it considers its territory. China's expanding maritime vicinity in the is proving stressing for India.

Beijing has invested heavily in building up it's navy, and now India too is doing the same by recently commissioning the construction of eight ships and procuring several submarines.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently went on a visit to the island countries of Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Mauritius. It was an attempt to build up strategic ties. India has been concerned about Chinese Submarines being allowed to refuel and dock at facilities in Sri Lanka.

The waters are also of importance as one-third of the world's shipping transit through these waters. Thus it will be the center of India's policy to make the oceans sheltered, secure and free for all. Should that not happen it is likely that India may align with other powers that see China as a threat as far as free trade routes are concerned.

Analysts say that although India remains conscious of the implications of other countries' increasing naval presence, it is committed towards resolving all issues through dialog and closer cooperation in the region.

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