India reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation, overflight and peaceful resolution of South China Sea disputes under international law, backing the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling and reiterating that the award remains the basis for resolving competing maritime claims
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, enhanced maritime cooperation, defence industry collaboration and regional security amid growing geopolitical and maritime challenges
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, highlighting India’s aspiration for an equitable maritime order based on international law. He introduced Vision MAHASAGAR, expanding India’s maritime engagement.