'Complex situation, what worries me is ...': Rajnath Singh expresses concern over Strait of Hormuz disruption

Referring to the conflict in West Asia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added that the evolving situation is difficult to predict. (File photo)

• Rajnath Singh warns of rising global geopolitical uncertainty
• Oceans now seen as arenas for strategic competition
• India boosts defence reforms, focusing on shipbuilding and R&D

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Amid the escalating war in West Asia, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the world is witnessing major shifts in the global order, making the geopolitical environment increasingly uncertain and difficult to predict.

Addressing the Maritime Conclave "Sagar Sankalp", Singh said oceans are no longer viewed merely as trade routes but are increasingly becoming arenas of strategic competition. "Earlier the seas were considered only a medium of trade, but today we can see them becoming a centre of strategic dominance," he said.

Warning about the impact of the conflict on energy security, Singh highlighted the importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf region for global oil and gas supplies. "Strait of Hormuz or the entire Persian Gulf region is a crucial area for global energy security. When there is a disruption or interruption in this region, it directly impacts the supply of oil and gas," he said.

He said the ongoing turmoil reflects broader changes in the international system. "A change is taking place at a global level. Old stereotypes, global orders and beliefs are breaking and we have to understand these uncertainties," Singh said.

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Referring to the conflict in West Asia, he added that the evolving situation is difficult to predict. "The current situation in the Middle East is a burning example of this. What is happening there is very uncommon and it is difficult to give a concrete prediction about how the situation will change there or in our neighbourhood," he said.

Highlighting the need to strengthen domestic defence capabilities, Singh said the government has prioritised the public sector in the defence industry and introduced several structural and policy reforms to boost production.

"The public sector has been a priority in India's defence sector… In light of the ongoing changes, and with the aim of strengthening our defence production both qualitatively and quantitatively, several structural and policy reforms have been implemented. These have increased efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness," he said.

Singh added that greater focus is now being placed on transparency, financial discipline, performance benchmarking and research and development, particularly in the shipbuilding sector.

"There is now a significant emphasis on transparency, financial discipline, performance benchmarking, and research and development, and this shift is particularly evident in the shipbuilding sector… GRSE and our other major defence shipyards have received significant attention to strengthen and make our industrial ecosystem more futuristic," he said, referring to Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers.

The defence minister also cautioned that rising geopolitical rivalry across multiple domains is becoming increasingly concerning. "The way different countries are competing with each other on land, in the air, at sea, and now even in space is truly a matter of concern for all of us… What worries me even more is that this abnormality is becoming the new normal," he said.

(With ANI inputs)