NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security efforts 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 are now active in the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. These deployments demonstrate the Navy’s capacity to maintain operations at considerable distances from India and to uphold national maritime interests.
Singh emphasized that increased congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have complicated the maritime environment. He called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and quicker analysis to better safeguard India’s maritime domain. The minister also connected maritime security directly to the country’s trade, energy supply, and defense readiness, noting that India heavily relies on sea routes for energy imports, making the protection of shipping lanes a key operational priority for the Navy.
He highlighted Operation Urja Suraksha, which ensures the safety of Indian-flagged merchant ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative includes vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh pointed out that approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of its natural gas are transported via maritime routes. As global shipping faces increasing operational pressures, secure seas are vital to India’s economy, energy access, and defense preparedness.
Focus on Domestic Shipbuilding Drives Naval Expansion
Rajnath Singh noted that the Indian Navy continues to boost the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet. Recent warships commissioned contain over 75% indigenous components. The government also plans to induct or commission 18 warships in 2026, marking the Navy’s largest single-year force expansion. Singh stated that domestic shipbuilding has reached a new level of maturity.
The conference covered topics such as combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment, innovation, and emerging technologies. Senior commanders reviewed advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. Additionally, the Indian Navy has expanded opportunities for women through its “All Ranks, All Roles” initiative. Women officers now serve aboard frontline warships and aircraft, and female personnel have increased participation in naval sailing missions.
International Cooperation Continues to Shape Naval Strategies
Maritime collaboration was also a key focus at the conference. India took command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces in February 2026. During this period, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 countries. The event featured 76 facilitators and subject specialists, along with representatives from four international organizations, emphasizing maritime security training and 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 continues through October 1, bringing senior naval leaders together to review ongoing operations and future strategic needs. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.