We won't interfere in China's sea disputes, says Indian minister

The territorial dispute between Manila and Beijing is a bilateral issue in which New Delhi will not interfere, Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid told the South China Morning Post.

His comments come as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh embarks on three-day visit to China to discuss reducing border tensions, boosting trade and easing visa requirements.

Singh has faced attacks from the opposition for being too soft in trade and border disputes with China, just months before India's general election.

But Beijing will no doubt be watching closely the visit by Khurshid to Manila, where he has agreed with his Philippines counterpart to embark on a strategic partnership, and increase military exchanges.

Beijing and Manila are engaged in an acrimonious stand-off over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

The apparent tag-team diplomacy by Singh and Khurshid appears to show India's intent to play both sides - while staying neutral in China's disputes with other countries. India has grown more reliant on China over the past decade, with two-way trade growing to US$66 billion last year. It also wants to boost its influence in Southeast Asia, where China is making greater inroads.

"It is a coincidence that [Singh] is in China and I'm here," Khurshid told the Post.