Kolkata, 06 March (H.S.) : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that instability arising from growing geopolitical competition is gradually becoming the “new normal,” citing the rising tensions in the Gulf region involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Addressing the Sagar Sankalp Seminar in Kolkata, Singh said developments in West Asia could have far-reaching implications for the global economy and energy security.

He noted that the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are crucial arteries for global energy supply, and any disruption in these areas would have a direct impact on oil and gas supplies across the world.

“Geopolitical competition is intensifying not only across land, sea and air but also in outer space. The instability risks emerging from such competition are increasingly becoming the new normal,” he said.

Singh added that the current developments in West Asia remain unpredictable, making it difficult to assess how the crisis will unfold. However, he expressed confidence that India is capable of playing a leading role in the maritime domain.

Highlighting the importance of resilience amid global uncertainties, the Defence Minister said self-reliance remains the only effective way to prevent disruptions in supply chains. He pointed out that advanced and precision technologies are increasingly being used in the defence sector, with public sector defence companies playing a crucial role in strengthening self-reliance.

He also said the government aims to position India among the top 10 shipbuilding nations in the world.

Singh further observed that in the present geopolitical environment, oceans are once again emerging as the centre of global power balance, and India, as a major maritime nation, must lead with clear vision, capability and confidence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh