During a recent address in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India is fully equipped to handle any energy shortages arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He confirmed that Indian Navy ships are escorting oil tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the safety of maritime trade. Singh highlighted the government's proactive approach to national security, noting a significant shift in policy since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) took power, which includes a strong stance against terrorism. He referenced 'Operation Sindoor', a response to a terror attack in April 2025, as evidence of this change. Additionally, Singh reported a remarkable increase in India's defense exports, which have grown from ₹600 crore (approximately $72 million USD) in 2014 to ₹38,500 crore (approximately $4.6 billion USD) in 2025-26, marking a 62.66% rise compared to the previous year. The government aims to bolster defense production to ₹3 lakh crore (approximately $36 billion USD) by 2029. Singh urged voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, citing the party's proven leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.