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 far from Indian shores while supporting national maritime interests.
Singh emphasized that increased congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have added complexity to the maritime environment. He called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and more rapid analysis across India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked maritime security to India’s trade, energy security, and defense preparedness, noting the country’s heavy reliance on sea routes for energy imports, which makes safeguarding shipping lanes a critical component of the Navy’s operational duties.
He pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which aids Indian-flagged merchant ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. The operation has included vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh stated that approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of its natural gas pass through maritime routes. Consequently, secure seas are vital to India’s economy, energy access, and defense readiness, especially as global shipping routes face increasing operational pressures.
Focus on Domestic Shipbuilding Drives Naval Expansion
Singh stated that the Indian Navy is steadily increasing the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet. He mentioned that recent warships commissioned contain more than 75% indigenous content. The government also plans to commission or induct 18 warships during 2026, marking the Navy’s largest single-year force expansion. Singh noted that domestic shipbuilding has achieved a higher level of maturity.
The conference addressed topics such as combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment, innovation, and emerging technologies. Senior commanders reviewed the integration of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. The Indian Navy has also expanded opportunities for women under its “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 Naval Collaboration Continues to Be a Priority
India’s maritime cooperation agenda was also a key topic at the conference. The country 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. The task force emphasizes maritime security training and cooperation among participating nations.
Singh highlighted INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which took the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The deployment included overseas port calls, training activities, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference runs until October 1, gathering senior naval leaders to review ongoing operations and future plans. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.