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 sustain operations at great distances from India’s coast and to uphold national maritime interests.
Singh emphasized that the maritime environment has grown more intricate due to congestion, deception, and gray-zone tactics. He called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and quicker analysis across India’s maritime domain. The defense minister linked maritime security directly to India’s trade routes, energy supplies, and overall defense preparedness. Given India’s heavy reliance on sea lanes for energy imports, safeguarding shipping routes remains a key operational priority for the Navy.
He also pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which ensures the safety of Indian-flagged merchant vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative includes ships transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh noted that maritime routes carry about 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of its natural gas. Consequently, secure seas are vital to India’s economy, energy security, and defense readiness amid increasing operational pressures on global shipping lanes.
Focus on domestic shipbuilding marks naval expansion
Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Navy is progressively increasing the proportion of locally manufactured systems within its fleet. He noted that recently commissioned warships include more than 75% indigenous content. The government is also planning to induct or commission 18 warships in 2026, which Singh described as the Navy’s largest single-year force increase and a sign of the maturing domestic shipbuilding industry.
The conference covered 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 through its “All Ranks, All Roles” policy. Women officers now serve aboard frontline warships and aircraft, and female personnel have participated more actively in naval sailing missions.
International naval cooperation remains a key priority
India’s maritime collaboration efforts were also a central focus at the conference. The country took command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces in February 2026. During its tenure, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 nations. This event featured 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, along with representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s main aim is to promote maritime security training and foster 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 abroad, training activities, and engagement with Indian communities overseas. The three-day Commanders’ Conference continues until October 1, bringing together senior naval leaders to review ongoing operations and plan for future needs. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.