KOLKATA: In this era of shifting geopolitics, the oceans are once again at the center of the world’s balance of power and it is India’s responsibility to provide leadership with confidence and capability, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, referring to the escalating conflict in West Asia.
In a speech he delivered at an event here, he said that the ongoing developments in West Asia are “highly unusual” and that the situation in the region could negatively affect the global economy.
“What is happening in West Asia is highly unusual. It is difficult to make any firm comment at this stage about the direction in which conditions in West Asia may move forward,” he said.
“If we look at the Strait of Hormuz or the entire Persian Gulf region, it is a very important region for the world’s energy security. When there is disruption or unrest in this region, it directly affects the supply of oil and gas,” he said.
He said, “Not only that, but today we are witnessing disruptions in the supply chain, not only in the energy sector, but in other sectors as well. The direct impact of these uncertainties is on the global economy and trade.”
Singh said the current situation once again reflects the importance of oceans.
“In this era of changing global geopolitics, the oceans are once again at the center of the world’s balance of power. At such a time, as a major maritime nation, it is India’s responsibility to provide leadership with confidence, capability and clear vision,” he said.
However, the Defense Minister did not directly or indirectly refer to the US sinking of an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka two days ago.
The Iranian frigate, Iris Dina, was returning home after participating in the multilateral Milan 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 United States and Iran outside the Persian Gulf.
The United States launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Following the military attack, Iran carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and US military bases in several Gulf countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
In the past three days, the scope of the conflict has expanded significantly with attacks and counterattacks by both sides.
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