Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concerns about the growing risks of instability due to geopolitical rivalries across various domains like land, sea, and air. He highlighted the current tensions in the Gulf involving the US, Israel, and Iran as an example. Speaking at the Sagar Sankalp Seminar in Kolkata, Singh emphasized the critical impact of such crises on global energy security, particularly in regions like the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Singh pointed out that any disruptions in these regions could have significant repercussions on global oil and gas supplies, leading to uncertainties that would affect international trade and economies. He noted the rise in geopolitical competition not only on land, sea, and air but also in space, which he deemed worrisome. The Defence Minister stated that such instability risks are increasingly becoming the new normal in today’s world.
Regarding the developments in West Asia, Singh acknowledged the unusual nature of the current situation, making it challenging to predict its ultimate outcome. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the geopolitical landscape, he expressed confidence in India’s ability to lead in the maritime sector. Singh stressed the importance of self-reliance to navigate through supply chain disruptions and ensure India’s leadership in maritime affairs with confidence, capability, and a clear vision.
Singh highlighted the pivotal role of oceans in global power dynamics, emphasizing India’s responsibility as a major maritime nation to lead with confidence and advanced capabilities. He emphasized the government’s focus on leveraging high-end technologies in the defense sector and promoting self-reliance to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Singh outlined the government’s vision to position India among the top ten global players in shipbuilding.
