External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, 23 July reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN centrality, regional stability, and the vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, addressing world leaders at the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS) in Manila, Philippines. His remarks came at a moment of heightened geopolitical turbulence, spanning conflicts in West Asia, tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Global Order Under Strain

Jaishankar opened by framing the summit's urgency in stark terms. 'The world economy is today reeling under the impact of multiple conflicts; energy, food and health security cannot be taken for granted, especially by the Global South,' he said in a post on X following the summit. He warned that 'structural changes being created by new capabilities, exposure and relationships' are reshaping global dynamics, with politics and security increasingly overriding economics and efficiency.

South China Sea and Maritime Security

On the South China Sea, Jaishankar expressed India's support for a 'substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC)' that is fully compliant with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) and does not prejudice the legitimate rights of all users. He also stressed that international waterways must remain safe and unimpeded, and that 'under no circumstances can attacks on seafarers, civilian shipping or infrastructure be countenanced' — a pointed reference to ongoing threats to commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

West Asia, Myanmar, and the Two-State Solution

Calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the West Asia/Gulf conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India's position that a two-state solution offers the only path to lasting peace. He noted that India has made 'notable relief and rehabilitation contributions' and described New Delhi as a 'top emerging donor of UNRWA.' On Myanmar, he backed a peaceful resolution aligned with ASEAN's own efforts, signalling continuity in India's non-interventionist but engaged posture toward its eastern neighbour.

Cyber Scams and India-Hosted EAS Events

Jaishankar called for 'serious collective action' against cyber scam centres operating across Southeast Asia, which have reportedly victimised Indian nationals in significant numbers. This comes amid growing regional concern over organised online fraud networks, particularly those linked to compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia. He also announced that India will host the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Kochi and an EAS Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal, deepening India's institutional engagement with the EAS framework.

What This Signals

India's consistent championing of ASEAN centrality at multilateral forums reflects its broader Act East Policy, now in its second decade. By addressing maritime security, cyber threats, and humanitarian commitments in a single address, Jaishankar positioned India as a comprehensive partner — not merely a counterweight to China — within the Indo-Pacific architecture. The hosting of two EAS events on Indian soil further cements that intent.