India says China must accept tribunal verdict

India — which is engaged in oil exploration projects with Vietnam in the South China Sea — strongly indicated in a late evening statement on Tuesday that China should accept the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The ministry of external affairs said, “ India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability India urges all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea), which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans.”