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Rajnath Singh Warns Gulf Crisis Risks Becoming "New Normal" for Global Stability

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that instability from geopolitical rivalries, exemplified by the Gulf crisis, is increasingly becoming a persistent global reality. He highlighted the Strait of Hormuz's critical role for energy security, where any disruption impacts worldwide oil supplies and trade. Singh expressed confidence that India would provide leadership in the maritime sector by pursuing self-reliance, particularly in defence technology and shipbuilding. He emphasized that self-reliance is the only way to overcome supply chain disruptions in this uncertain era.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh: Gulf Crisis Instability Risks Are New Normal

  • Gulf tensions threaten global energy security
  • Geopolitical rivalry spans land, sea, air, space
  • India aims for maritime leadership through self-reliance
  • Defence self-reliance key to avoiding supply chain disruptions
2 min read

Instability risks like ongoing Gulf crisis becoming new normal, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns geopolitical rivalries, like the Gulf crisis, are creating a persistent "new normal" of instability impacting global trade.

"What is even more worrying is that such instability risks are becoming the new normal. - Rajnath Singh"

Kolkata, March 6

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the risks of instability caused by geopolitical rivalry across land, sea, and air, such as the current tensions in the Gulf region involving the US, Israel, and Iran, are increasingly becoming the new normal.

Speaking at the Sagar Sankalp Seminar in Kolkata on Friday, the Defence Minister spoke at length about the impact of the crisis, considering the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf for global energy security.

"Any disruption in the region directly affects oil and gas supplies worldwide, and hence, uncertainties in the region will significantly impact global trade and economies. Rising geopolitical competition across land, sea, air, and even space is surely a matter of concern. What is even more worrying is that such instability risks are becoming the new normal," Singh said.

According to him, the current development in West Asia being highly unusual, it is difficult now to make any specific and firm comment on what the crisis will ultimately lead to.

However, he added, that despite the uncertainties over the geopolitical competition, he is confident that India will provide leadership in the maritime sector. "Self-reliance is the only way out to achieve that, overcoming the supply chain disruptions," the Defence Minister said.

Claiming that in the current era of global geopolitics, oceans have once again come to the centre of the world's power balance, the Defence Minister observed that as a major maritime nation, India will have to provide leadership with confidence, capability, and a clear vision.

"In the defence sector of the country, high-end and precision technologies are being utilised. Hence, our government has, from the very beginning, believed that in this era of uncertainty, the only way to avoid supply chain disruptions is self-reliance. One of the major pillars of our vision for self-reliance is defence public sector undertakings," Singh added.

He also said that the goal of the Indian government is to make India emerge as one of the top ten global players in the sector of shipbuilding.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's worrying to hear this is becoming the "new normal." Our government needs to focus on diversifying energy sources and building stronger ties with all Gulf nations to protect our interests. Millions of Indian lives and livelihoods depend on stability in that region.
R
Rohit P
The focus on shipbuilding is a great vision. We have a long coastline and should be a maritime power. But words need to translate into action. We've been hearing about self-reliance for years. Hope to see more indigenous warships and commercial vessels soon!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global affairs, it's refreshing to see an Indian minister articulate these complex geopolitical risks so clearly. India's neutral yet principled stance is crucial. Leadership in the maritime domain could be a real game-changer for the Global South.
V
Vikram M
While the sentiment is right, I respectfully disagree that self-reliance through defence PSUs is the *only* way. We need to encourage private sector innovation too, like the US does. Faster adoption of tech from startups is key, not just relying on old systems.
K
Kavya N
True. We import over 80% of our oil. Any trouble in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to our daily lives, from petrol prices to LPG cylinders. Hope the government's plans for strategic reserves and alternative routes are accelerated. Jai Hind!

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