South China Sea: Navy chief backs freedom of navigation

"The South China Sea is a complex issue. We are not a direct party. No territorial interest is there for us," Joshi told reporters here when asked about recent Chinese activities in the South China Sea.

Joshi also stressed that the Indian Navy will protect ONGC Videsh's investments in oil blocks off the coast of Vietnam.

"Our primary concern is freedom of navigation. The ONGC also has blocks in the South China Sea. The navy is here to protect our interests in the maritime domain," he said.