He argues oceans are central to modern geopolitics and calls for India to provide confident, capable, and clear leadership as a major maritime power.

Oceans are evolving from trade routes to centers of strategic power, and India should strengthen defence self-reliance to mitigate supply-chain risks.

Context includes escalating tensions in West Asia, with U.S. strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets amid broader regional conflict.

Notes mention the February 28 strikes and subsequent Iranian counter-strikes targeting American bases and Israeli assets in the region.

The Middle East situation is a burning example of a shifting global order, with outcomes unpredictable and uncertainty the new normal.

Related developments and stories include Hormuz, energy exports, and regional security tensions.

He did not reference the specific incident of the U.S. sinking of an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka in his remarks.

The defence minister warned that tensions in the Middle East could worsen in the days ahead amid US-Israel-Iran hostilities.

Progress in domestic defence manufacturing is evident, with FY25 production surpassing ₹1.50 lakh crore and exports around ₹24,000 crore; exports projected to ₹29,000 crore by April 2026 and ₹50,000 crore by FY30.

Remarks were delivered at the Sagar Sankalp Maritime Conclave in Kolkata, emphasizing energy security, trade implications, and India's strategic maritime posture.

Singh warned that strategic competition across land, sea, air, and space is intensifying, making the abnormal geopolitical environment the new normal.

Amid shifting geopolitics, he urges India to lead in the maritime realm and embrace self-reliance through Defence Public Sector Undertakings to counter supply chain disruptions.