India does not want its ties with China affected by "third-party factors", visiting Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar told his Chinese counterpart on Monday.

The remarks came one week after Parrikar and US Defense Secretary Ash Carter vowed to safeguard maritime security in the region, including the South China Sea.

According to observers, India is seeking to strike a balance between China and the United States in its frequent high-level meetings with Chinese officials this week.