00:00 Standing shoulder to shoulder with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila,
00:06 India's External Affairs Minister Dr S.J. Shankar reaffirmed New Delhi's steadfast
00:10 backing of the Philippines in safeguarding its national sovereignty.
00:14 This commitment emerges against the backdrop of mounting tensions in the South China Sea
00:18 following incidents involving the China Coast Guard's aggressive manoeuvres near a Philippines
00:23 vessel close to Iongin Shoal on March 23, eliciting widespread international apprehension.
00:29 "I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India's support to the Philippines for upholding
00:33 its national sovereignty," stated S.J. Shankar, emphasising the importance of adhering to
00:38 the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the cornerstone of maritime governance.
00:43 The 2016 South China Sea arbitration, which ruled decisively in favour of the Philippines
00:47 against China, stands as a crucial legal precedent bolstering the Philippines' rightful claims
00:53 over Iongin Shoal and elucidating maritime entitlements within the region.
00:57 The Indian minister highlighted, "We are also convinced that the progress and prosperity
01:01 of this region is best served by strong adherence to a rules-based order."
01:05 UN Clause 1982 is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas.
01:11 All parties must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit.
01:16 In a joint presser, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo highlighted
01:20 the harassment faced by Filipino vessels near Iongin Shoal and underscored the backing of
01:24 over 20 countries, emphasising the finality of the 2016 arbitral award.
01:29 Jai Shankar underscored India's strategic maritime presence in the Red Sea and Arabian
01:33 Sea, emphasising its role in countering various threats, including the Indian Navy's involvement
01:38 in multinational rescue operations, including those involving Filipino nationals.
01:42 Stressing the importance of a multipolar Asia, AAM Jai Shankar advocated for enhanced collaboration
01:47 between India and the Philippines in shaping the evolving global landscape.
01:51 Currently embarked on a three-country diplomatic tour encompassing Singapore, Malaysia and
01:55 the Philippines, Jai Shankar's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening regional
01:59 partnerships and fostering a more stable and cooperative international order.
02:07 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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