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 held in New Delhi on September 29, Singh highlighted that Indian warships are now active in the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. These deployments demonstrate the Navy’s capacity to conduct operations at great distances from India’s coastlines while safeguarding national maritime interests.
Singh emphasized that increasing congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have complicated the maritime environment. He called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and quicker analysis across India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked maritime security to India’s trade routes, energy supplies, and defense readiness, noting the country’s heavy reliance on sea lanes for imported energy, which makes protecting shipping routes a critical aspect of naval operations.
Singh pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which safeguards Indian-flagged merchant vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The operation includes ships transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He added that approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of the nation’s natural gas are carried via maritime routes. Singh stressed that secure seas are vital for India’s economy, energy security, and defense preparedness amid increasing operational pressures on global shipping channels.
Focus on Indigenous Shipbuilding Drives Naval Expansion
Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Indian Navy is progressively increasing the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet. He noted that recently commissioned warships now feature more than 75% indigenous content. The government also intends to commission or induct 18 warships in 2026, marking the largest single-year increase in naval force levels and indicating a maturing domestic shipbuilding sector.
The conference also addressed topics such as combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment strategies, innovation, and emerging technologies. Senior officers reviewed the integration of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. Moreover, the Indian Navy has expanded opportunities for women within its ranks through the “All Ranks, All Roles” policy, with women officers now serving on frontline warships and aircraft, and female personnel participating more actively in naval sailing missions.
International Collaboration Continues to Shape Naval Strategy
Maritime cooperation remains a key element of India’s naval strategy, as discussed during the conference. In February 2026, India assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. During this period, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 countries. The event featured 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, along with representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s focus is 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 deployment included port calls, training exercises, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference concludes on October 1 and gathers senior naval leaders to review ongoing operations and strategic planning. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.