NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security operations across the Indian Ocean Region. Speaking at the Indian Navy’s second Commanders’ Conference of 2026 held 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 and safeguard national maritime interests.
According to Singh, increased congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have rendered the maritime environment more intricate. He emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, improved tracking, and quicker data analysis throughout India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked maritime security to the country’s trade, energy security, and defense preparedness. Given India’s heavy reliance on sea routes for imported energy, protecting shipping lanes has become a crucial aspect of the Navy’s operational responsibilities.
He pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which aids Indian-flagged merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This operation includes ships transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh stated that maritime routes facilitate about 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and approximately half of its natural gas. Consequently, the security of these seas remains directly connected to India’s economy, energy access, and defense readiness, especially as global shipping routes face mounting operational pressures.
Focus on domestic shipbuilding marks naval expansion
Rajnath Singh noted that the Indian Navy is steadily increasing the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet. He highlighted that the recently commissioned warships feature over 75% indigenous content. The government aims to introduce or commission 18 warships in 2026, which Singh described as the Navy’s largest single-year force enhancement. He also remarked that domestic shipbuilding has now achieved a higher level of maturity.
The conference covered a range of topics including combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment strategies, innovation, and emerging technologies. Senior naval leaders discussed 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 aboard frontline warships and aircraft, while female personnel have participated more extensively in naval sailing missions.
International collaboration remains a key element of naval strategy
The conference also addressed India’s ongoing maritime cooperation initiatives. In February 2026, India took command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. During this period, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 nations. The event featured 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, along with representatives from four international organizations. The task force’s focus is on maritime security training and fostering cooperation among participating countries.
Singh also mentioned INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which has taken the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. This deployment included port visits, training activities, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference continues through October 1 and gathers senior naval leadership to review ongoing operations and outline future plans. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief.
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