NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security initiatives across 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. He emphasized that these deployments demonstrate the Navy’s capacity to maintain operations far from India’s coastlines and to uphold national maritime interests.
According to Singh, the maritime environment has become more intricate due to congestion, deception, and gray-zone tactics. He urged for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and quicker analysis throughout India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked maritime security to the country’s trade, energy supplies, and defense readiness, noting India’s heavy reliance on sea routes for energy imports, which makes safeguarding shipping lanes crucial for the Navy’s operational duties.
He pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which protects Indian-flagged commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including ships transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh stated that approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of its natural gas are transported via maritime routes. Consequently, the security of these waters remains essential for India’s economy, energy access, 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 produced systems within its fleet. He noted that recently commissioned warships feature over 75% indigenous content. The government aims to induct or commission 18 warships in 2026, which Singh described as the Navy’s most significant single-year force enhancement, reflecting the maturing of domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
The conference also covered topics such as combat preparedness, future technological developments, recruitment, and innovation. Senior naval leaders discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. The Indian Navy has expanded opportunities for women under its “All Ranks, All Roles” policy. Women officers now serve aboard frontline warships and aircraft, and naval sailing missions have seen increased participation from female personnel.
International cooperation remains integral to naval strategy
Maritime collaboration was also a key element of the conference agenda. 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 matter experts, along with representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s primary focus is on maritime security training and fostering 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 port calls abroad, training activities, and engagement with Indian communities overseas. The three-day Commanders’ Conference continues until October 1, bringing together senior naval leadership to assess operations and plan for future needs. During the event, Singh also held meetings with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.