In a significant move, the Indian Navy is set to gift an active duty missile corvette to Vietnam, marking the first instance of India providing a warship to a neighbor of China with a coast on the South China Sea, a region marred by territorial disputes among multiple nations.

The tensions between China and Vietnam have existed for several decades and are primarily centered around territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Both countries claim sovereignty over certain islands, reefs, and maritime areas in the region, leading to conflicts and strained relations.

China claims over 90 percent of the South China Sea, including waters close to the coasts of neighboring countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China's assertion of territorial control has led to concerns among neighboring countries and occasional conflict.

Vietnam, along with other claimant states, contests China's claims and argues that it has historical and legal evidence to support its own sovereignty. Vietnam claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands, both of which are also claimed by China.

There have been multiple incidents where China and Vietnam have had confrontations over these disputed territories, including clashes between naval vessels. China regularly uses its maritime militia to harass Vietnamese civilian and military vessels.

The South China Sea is of significant strategic importance due to its abundant natural resources, including fisheries, oil, and gas reserves. It is also a crucial shipping route for international trade. The overlapping territorial claims and the competition for control over these resources have intensified the tensions between China and Vietnam.

Why It Matters To India

In recent years, China has undertaken extensive land reclamation projects in the disputed areas, constructing artificial islands and military facilities, which has further raised concerns in Vietnam.

There have been instances of clashes between Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels in the disputed waters. These encounters often involve confrontations, ramming incidents, and water cannon exchanges.

It is in this context that the Narendra Modi government's decision to gift an active warship to the Vietnamese Navy must be seen.

For years now, India has helped equip the Vietnamese Navy. In 2022, for instance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over 12 High-Speed Guard Boats to Vietnam, constructed under a $100 million Defence Line of Credit given to Vietnam by India, with the first five being built in India.

Building the capabilities of the Vietnamese Navy will ensure that China, already the dominant power in the South China Sea, does not get a free rein. A well-equipped Vietnam can challenge Chinese actions in the South China Sea and contribute to keeping the region open.

Earlier, India signed a deal with the Philippines for the supply of BrahMos missiles to enhance the Philippines' coastal defense capabilities. The Philippines, which is also a party to the South China Sea dispute, has faced coercion and intimidation from China concerning its claims in the region.

India relies heavily on the freedom of navigation and unimpeded maritime trade routes in the South China Sea for its economic interests.

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