'West Asia tensions may impact economy and trade': Rajnath Singh

Kolkata: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday termed the geopolitical tensions in West Asia "highly unusual" and cautioned that it could adversely impact global economy and trade considering the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf.

"In the changing geopolitics, oceans have once again become the centre of the world's power balance," said Singh. "India as a major maritime nation should provide leadership with confidence and capability and clear vision," he said, referring to the simmering conflict in West Asia. Singh was speaking at a programme co-hosted by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers here.

"What is happening in West Asia is highly unusual," he said. "It is difficult to make any firm comment at this stage on the direction in which West Asia might proceed. The maritime domains have changed, and its importance has increased and it is not limited to trade routes or naval strength but linked to national and technological innovation, the foundation of strategic autonomy." Singh said the Hormuz or the Persian Gulf region is "an extremely important area for the world's energy security".


"When there is disturbance or disruption in this region, it directly impacts the supply of oil and gas," he said. "Supply chain disruptions will be there in other sectors. It will impact global trade and economy," said Singh, terming the current situation in West Asia as "complicated".