02 April,2026 01:06 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | mid-day online correspondent
Rajnath Singh. Pic/PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that there is "no dearth of fuel or gas in the country" and India was ready to deal with any energy crisis resulting out of the West Asia conflict, reported news agency PTI.
Singh, speaking at a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, said that Indian Navy ships were safely escorting the country's tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The elections to the Kerala Assembly, which has 140 seats, will be held on April 9.
The defence minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using his diplomatic skills to protect Indian interests in the Gulf region, reported PTI.
"We are closely monitoring the state of affairs in West Asia and are prepared to deal with any situation," he said, reported PTI.
Singh, during his speech, urged everyone to choose the BJP in the assembly polls as it was the correct political party to bring changes to the state, as it came with "Modiyude guarantees" (Modi's guarantees), reported PTI.
"His leadership is like 24-carat gold -- it is tried and tested," he contended.
Addressing the Veer Sainik Samman in Thiruvananthapuram, a tribute dedicated to brave ex-servicemen, the Defence Minister declared that India is making significant strides in the global shipbuilding sector, reported PTI.
He highlighted that while the country is adopting modern shipbuilding methods, it is simultaneously utilising ancient Indian maritime techniques.
Emphasising this progress, he noted that the completion of an indigenously built aircraft carrier in Cochin places India among a select group of nations with such advanced capabilities, reported PTI.
"Ships from India, sailing via Kerala, once conducted trade spanning from the Roman Empire all the way to Cambodia and Indonesia.This exchange was not merely commercial; it was also a cultural exchange. Kerala has historically served as a major global hub for trade...While India is adopting modern shipbuilding methods, it is also simultaneously utilizing the techniques employed in the construction of ancient Indian vessels..India is making significant strides in the global shipbuilding sector...An indigenously built aircraft carrier has been completed in Cochin. Only a select few nations in the world possess such a capability...By 2047, we aspire to transform the Indian Navy into the most formidable naval force in the world," said Singh, reported PTI.
In addition to the progress in shipbuilding, the Defence Minister noted a significant shift in India's defence strategy, stating that while the country previously relied on imports to meet its weaponry needs, it has now become a prominent exporter. He emphasised that defence exports have witnessed a steady increase compared to last year, with the total now standing at Rs 38,500 crore.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
