NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security efforts across the Indian Ocean Region. He addressed the Indian Navy’s second Commanders’ Conference of 2026 in New Delhi on September 29, emphasizing that Indian warships now operate in the South China Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Singh highlighted these deployments as a demonstration of the Navy’s capacity to sustain operations far from India’s coastline and to uphold national maritime interests.
According to Singh, increasing congestion, deception tactics and gray-zone activities have added complexity to the maritime environment. He called for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring and quicker analysis across India’s maritime domain. The minister further linked maritime security to the country’s trade, energy supplies and defense readiness, noting that India heavily relies on sea routes for imported energy, which makes protecting shipping lanes a crucial part of the Navy’s operational duties.
Singh pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which aids Indian-flagged merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative includes vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He mentioned that maritime routes facilitate about 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and approximately half of its natural gas. Singh emphasized that secure seas are vital to India’s economy, energy access and defense preparedness, especially as global shipping routes come under increasing operational pressure.
Focus on domestic shipbuilding as part of naval expansion
Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Navy continues to boost the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet. He noted that recently commissioned warships contain over 75% indigenous content. The government also plans to induct or commission 18 warships throughout 2026, a figure Singh called the Navy’s most significant single-year force enhancement, indicating that domestic shipbuilding has achieved a higher level of maturity.
The conference covered topics such as combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment, innovation and emerging technology. Senior commanders reviewed the application of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities. Additionally, the Indian Navy has expanded opportunities for women under its “All Ranks, All Roles” policy. Women officers now serve aboard frontline warships and aircraft, with naval sailing missions also seeing increased participation by female personnel.
International cooperation remains integral to naval strategy
India’s maritime cooperation efforts featured prominently 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 with 276 personnel from 27 countries, including 76 facilitators and subject specialists, alongside representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s focus is on maritime security training and fostering cooperation among participating nations.
Singh also referenced INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which has taken the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The deployment involved overseas port calls, training activities and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference runs through October 1 and gathers senior naval leadership to review ongoing operations and future requirements. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.