South China Sea: India sends warships as ‘subtle reminder’ to Beijing

Though there is a danger that the ships could provoke an “aggressive response” from China, New Delhi-based observers told This Week in Asia that the region welcomed India’s presence “with open arms”.

Such naval deployments served as “subtle reminders to Beijing about the importance of adhering to international norms and respecting maritime law”, said Abhijit Singh, head of the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think tank’s Maritime Policy Initiative, adding that they were “important signals of international concern regarding violations”.

“Without a unified front among like-minded nations to counter Chinese aggression, Beijing is unlikely to perceive isolated deployments as a significant threat,” he said.

“Given its limited naval resources and strategic interests primarily focused on the Indian Ocean, India would be ill-advised to pursue a confrontational strategy in the South China Sea alone.”

He said Southeast Asian nations were “not averse” to widening partnerships with countries like India – especially given the asymmetric nature of their capabilities compared to China.

“India is welcomed in Southeast Asia with open arms,” Narayanan told This Week in Asia.

“But there is also the risk that this military posturing could provoke an aggressive response from China”, she warned, adding that much would depend on whether recent stand-offs in the South China Sea escalated further.

“A minor flashpoint could potentially trigger a broader confrontation if not handled carefully by all parties involved.”

The German naval ships dispatched to the region would be en route to this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise, a biennial event hosted by the US that involves 29 countries.

“Instead of sailing through the Atlantic Ocean, the German