India, March 7 -- In this era of changing geopolitics, oceans have once again come to the Centre of the world's power balance and it is India's responsibility to provide leadership with confidence and capability, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, referring to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The unfolding developments in the Middle East is "highly unusual," and the situation in the region could adversely impact the global economy, he said, addressing an event in Kolkata.

"What is happening there is quite unusual. It is difficult to make concrete comments about the future course of events in the Middle East or in our neighbourhood. The Strait of Hormuz or the entire Persian Gulf region is crucial for global energy...