Rajnath Singh reviews defence preparedness in high-level meeting on West Asia conflict

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting on the evolving situation in West Asia on Tuesday as the US-Israeli war with Iran entered its 25th day. Top defence officials met for a crucial discussion in the wake of recent globalsecurity events and to review India’s defence preparedness.

CDS General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir Kamat, and others present at the meeting.

On March 21, Singh, while addressing a programme in Uttarakhand, had said that India has taken a clear stand on the West Asia issue, emphasising that a solution should be found through dialogue and diplomacy.


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He noted that the world is going through a period of crisis, with conflicts prevailing in several regions, and further added that the ongoing attacks in West Asia are a matter of concern not only for India but also for the entire world.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting global trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha to brief members on the recent developments in West Asia and their potential impact on India. Describing the situation as "worrisome", Modi highlighted that the ongoing conflict poses unprecedented challenges that are not only economic and related to national security but also humanitarian.

He reflected on the global challenges which have emerged due to the conflict and India's trade relations with countries in the West Asian region that were under war, stating that a large part of the country's need for crude oil and gas was met by the war-affected region.

"The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks. It has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people, and that is why the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict," PM Modi said.