Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that in this era of changing geopolitics, oceans have returned to the center of the world's power balance, and India bears the responsibility to provide leadership with confidence. Addressing an event in Kolkata, he referred to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which could adversely impact the global economy and energy security. Singh emphasized the importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf region.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the unfolding developments in West Asia as "highly unusual" while addressing an event in Kolkata on Friday (March 6, 2026). He stated, "What is happening in West Asia is highly unusual. It is difficult to make any firm comment at this stage on the direction in which conditions in West Asia might proceed going forward."
Singh highlighted the Strait of Hormuz and the entire Persian Gulf region as extremely important for the world's energy security. He noted, "When there is disturbance or disruption in this region, it directly impacts the supply of oil and gas."
He further mentioned that supply chain disruptions are being witnessed not only in the energy sector but in other sectors as well. "The direct impact of these uncertainties falls on the economy and global trade," Singh said.
The minister observed that the current situation has once again reflected the importance of oceans. "In this era of changing global geopolitics, oceans have once again come to the centre of the world's power balance. At such a time, as a major maritime nation, it is India's responsibility to provide leadership with confidence, capability, and a clear vision," he added.
However, Singh did not make any direct or indirect reference to the U.S. sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka two days earlier. The Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack, which marked a major escalation in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran outside of the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the offensive, Iran carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
In the last three days, the conflict has widened significantly with attacks and counter-attacks by both sides.
