New Delhi:
In a clear sign of the deepening strategic equation between India and the United States, both sides today released a Joint Strategic Vision statement for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.
The statement, which is likely to irk China, reaffirms both India and America's concerns on maritime disputes in the South China seas.
Though the statement doesn't specifically spell out the Spratly Islands dispute or China's disputes with Vietnam over its maritime area of interest, it says, "We affirm the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, especially in the South China Sea."
China is involved with several maritime disputes with countries in the South China seas and has aggressively asserted its claims to disputed territories. In the past, there have also been reports of China cautioning Indian warships plying in the South China Seas.
In another reference, which hints at the ongoing dispute between China and Japan over the Senkau islands, the US and India say, "We call on all parties to avoid the threat or use of force and pursue resolution of territorial and maritime disputes through all peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."
India and the United States also say they "oppose terrorism, piracy, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within or from the region." In the past, India has been concerned on the proliferation of Chinese and North Korean ballistic missile systems to Pakistan.
Finally, the United States "welcomes India's interest in joining the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as the Indian economy is a dynamic part of the Asian economy."
India and China are in the midst of a substantial growth in the size and capabilities of their Navies. While China enjoys a numerical advantage, India is thought to retain a qualitative advantage in certain areas like radar, sensor and anti-shipping and land attack missiles. India has also been concerned at the recent movement of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka's decision to allow the submarines to dock at their ports. Today's statement highlights the close strategic ties between India and the United States, a relationship that can balance the growing strategic presence of China in the greater Indian Ocean region.