NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security presence throughout the Indian Ocean Region. Speaking at the Indian Navy’s second Commanders’ Conference of 2026 in New Delhi on September 29, Singh highlighted that Indian warships now operate in the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. He emphasized that these deployments demonstrate the Navy’s capacity to conduct operations far from India’s coastlines and to uphold national maritime interests.
According to Singh, increased congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have complicated the maritime environment. He advocated for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and quicker analysis across India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked maritime security to the country’s trade, energy supplies, and defense readiness, noting that India’s heavy reliance on sea routes for imported energy makes safeguarding shipping lanes a crucial element of the Navy’s operational duties.
Singh pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which supports Indian-flagged merchant vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative has involved ships transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He stated that maritime routes facilitate approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and around half of its natural gas. As a result, secure seas are directly tied to India’s economy, energy access, and defense preparedness amidst increasing operational challenges faced by global shipping corridors.
Focus on domestic shipbuilding marks naval expansion
Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Navy continues to expand the proportion of domestically manufactured systems integrated into its fleet. He noted that the most recently commissioned warships feature over 75% indigenous content. The government also aims to induct or commission 18 warships in 2026, a record single-year increase in force levels. Singh described this milestone as indicative of the Navy’s evolving maturity in domestic shipbuilding.
The conference further addressed topics such as combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment, innovation, and technological advancements. Senior naval leaders reviewed the deployment of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems, and cyber warfare capabilities. Additionally, the Indian Navy has broadened opportunities for women through its “All Ranks, All Roles” policy, with women officers now serving aboard frontline warships and aircraft, and participating more extensively in naval sailing missions.
International naval collaboration remains integral to strategic planning
India’s maritime cooperation efforts also featured prominently during the conference. The country took command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces in February 2026. During this command, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 nations. The exercise included 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, alongside representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s focus remains on maritime security training and fostering cooperation among participating nations.
Singh also highlighted INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which took the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The mission involved port visits, training exercises, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference, running through October 1, gathered senior naval leadership to evaluate ongoing operations and plan for future requirements. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.