Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs meeting to review security and defence preparedness
New Delhi, March 24
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday chaired a review meeting in the wake of recent global and regional security events, and also to review India's defence preparedness.
CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, General Upendra Dwivedi, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir Kamat, and others were also present at the meeting.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha today on several aspects of the ongoing conflict and India's energy security.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Lok Sabha to brief members on the developments in West Asia and their potential impact on India. Describing the situation as "worrisome".
He highlighted that the ongoing conflict poses unprecedented challenges that are not only economic and related to national security but also humanitarian.
The Prime Minister reflected on the global challenges which have emerged due to the conflict and India's trade relations with countries in the West Asian region that were witnessing war, stating that a large part of the country's need for crude oil and gas was met by the war-affected region. The opposition parties, on the other hand, called it a "master class in self-boasts and partisan dialogue-baazi (dramatic dialogue)."
"The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks. It has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people, and that is why the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister informed of India's trade relations with countries in the West Asian region that were witnessing war, stating that a large part of the country's need for crude oil and gas was met by the war-affected region.
He informed that the region also remains crucial as it provides a route for India's trade with other countries as well.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While preparedness is crucial, I hope the focus is also on diplomatic solutions. We have a large diaspora in the Gulf. Their safety and the humanitarian crisis are equally important. Let's hope for peace.
The PM is right to call it "worrisome". 80% of our oil imports come via that route. Any disruption hits the common man hardest. We need a clear strategy for energy security beyond just military reviews.
Respectfully, the opposition has a point about "dialogue-baazi". Meetings and statements are good, but what is the concrete plan? How are we diversifying our energy sources? The public deserves more than just reviews.
Good to see CDS and all three service chiefs in the meeting. Coordination is key. We must ensure our naval presence is strong to protect our merchant vessels. Jai Hind!
The global economic stability angle is critical. India's growth story can't afford a prolonged crisis in West Asia. Hope our diplomacy is working overtime with all stakeholders, including Iran and Israel.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.