India will send a naval task force to the South China Sea this month to enhance its defence and security ties with its Asian partners in the region. The deployment also intends to act as a measure to counter China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific, specifically the South China Sea.
According to the Indian Navy’s statement on Wednesday, four Indian vessels, including a Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, a Missile Frigate Shivalik, and Guided Missile Corvette Kora, will be present in Southeast Asia, the South China Sea, and the Western Pacific for two months. It added, “The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain.”
The “maritime initiative” aims to “enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries” and promote “Freedom of Navigation at sea.” The statement read: “Besides regular port calls, the task group will operate in conjunction with friendly navies, to build military relations and develop interoperability in the conduct of maritime operations.” The Indian Navy’s decision will allow it to participate in several multilateral drills in the region, including one with its Quad allies.
The move also advances India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries across the Asia-Pacific, such as Taiwan.
Moreover, the South China Sea deployment is critical as the United States and China continue to show their military strength in the region, which has become a significant point of contention between the two global powers. Consequently, several US allies, including the United Kingdom and Germany, and now India, have increased their military presence in the region. India’s decision is not likely to be taken well by China, which has often been irked by any maritime activities in the South China Sea.
In July, India moved 50,000 troops to its borders with China, marking a historic 40% increase in troop deployment in the region and indicating a shift in its strategy to a more offensive posture. Despite the conflict with China over disputed borders since 1962, the country’s policy has merely been to counter China’s moves. The recent large-scale deployment along the Line of Actual Control and in the South China Sea allows India to adopt an “offensive defence” strategy. The military manoeuvring is particularly concerning as it could aggravate the conflict between the two Asian powers.