India has no fuel shortage, ready for any situation: Rajnath Singh

Thiruvananthapuram: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that India is well-equipped to tackle any potential energy disruptions arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He pointed out that there is no shortage of fuel or gas in the country.

Addressing a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, Singh said the government is closely tracking developments in the region and stands ready to respond to any emerging crisis.

Indian Navy ensuring safe passage of tankers

The minister highlighted the role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the nation’s energy supplies. He said naval vessels are escorting Indian tankers through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint located in Iranian territory.

Singh also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure India’s interests in the Gulf region.

“We are closely monitoring the state of affairs in West Asia and are prepared to deal with any situation,” he said, adding that India would extend all necessary support to its citizens residing in the region.

Warning on cross-border terrorism

Referring to security concerns, Singh issued a strong warning regarding cross-border terrorism. He stated that any “misadventure” by India’s neighbour, referring to Pakistan, would invite an “unprecedented and decisive” response.

He underlined that since the NDA government assumed office, it has maintained a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. According to him, national security has been significantly strengthened under Prime Minister Modi, with a clear shift in the government’s approach and response mechanisms.

Reference to Operation Sindoor

The defence minister cited ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an example of this approach, describing it as India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025, in which 26 people were killed.

He contrasted this with the period of the Congress-led UPA governments, stating that terror incidents were frequent then and often went unanswered. In comparison, he said, the current NDA administration has acted firmly to curb such threats.

Growing importance of maritime domain

In his address, Singh also spoke about the expanding role of the maritime sector. He said it now goes beyond trade routes and naval strength, contributing to national resilience, economic development, technological progress and strategic autonomy.

He added that efforts are underway to make the Indian Navy the most powerful in the world by 2047.

Push for defence self-reliance

Singh highlighted India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence production. He noted that the country, once heavily dependent on imports, is now making significant strides in the sector.

“In 2014, India’s defence exports were valued at Rs 600 crore. Today, they have risen to Rs 38,500 crore,” he said.

He further stated that defence exports witnessed a “record jump” of 62.66 per cent in 2025-26 compared to the previous year.

“In defence production, we have already crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore, and our target is to reach Rs 3 lakh crore by the end of 2029. I assure you this will be achieved,” he added.

Appeal to voters in Kerala

Singh also used the platform to urge voters in Kerala to support the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections, describing it as the party capable of bringing meaningful change to the state.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s leadership, he said it was akin to “24-carat gold” and had been thoroughly tested. He also highlighted the promise of “Modiyude guarantees” as a key factor for voters to consider.

Kerala assembly elections schedule

The Kerala Assembly elections, covering all 140 constituencies, are scheduled to be held on April 9.

Agency inputs