China’s military recently announced that it “drove away” the U.S. destroyer USS Higgins from the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, claiming the vessel entered without approval from Beijing. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where China asserts extensive territorial claims that overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. The U.S. response remains pending, emphasizing the complexities of maintaining freedom of navigation in contested waters. As India continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships and bolster its naval capabilities, it is increasingly important for New Delhi to monitor these developments closely, given their implications for regional stability and security dynamics in Asia.