27 March 2020
In a time where in addition to the balance of power, future regional stability and security in the South China Sea (SCS) is also fragile, common concerns and similar threats unite the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and India. In regard to the South China Sea dispute, India and ASEAN are two imperative actors in preserving the current multilateral rule and protecting trade flows. India’s role and strategic cooperation with ASEAN is increasingly vital in the context of a more dominant China. The South China Sea dispute continues to persist and is considered an arduous regional conflict in the Asia Pacific region, revolving around territorial sovereignty and other maritime claims. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure the safety of the SCS, as it is one of the most strategic maritime spaces in the world in terms of the volume of trade.
Deshika Elapata is Junior Researcher at the European Institute for Asian Studies