India said on Tuesday, July 12, that sea lanes of communication passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development as an international court ruled that China had no historic rights over the waters of the sea.

In a statement, India also urged all parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to show the utmost respect for the international agreement.

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The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that India supports freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.

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"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."

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Tuesday ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in the South China Sea. (IANS)

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