NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is broadening its maritime security efforts throughout the Indian Ocean Region. During the second Commanders’ Conference of 2026 held in New Delhi on September 29, Singh highlighted that Indian warships are now operating in regions such as the South China Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic Ocean. He emphasized that these deployments demonstrate the Navy’s capacity to sustain operations well beyond India’s coastlines and to uphold the country’s maritime interests.
Singh pointed out that increasing congestion, deceptive tactics, and gray-zone activities have made the maritime environment more intricate, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring, and rapid data analysis across India’s maritime domain. He also linked maritime security to India’s trade routes, energy supply chains, and defense preparedness, noting that the country relies heavily on sea routes for imported energy, which makes safeguarding shipping lanes a critical aspect of the Navy’s operational duties.
The Defence Minister highlighted Operation Urja Suraksha, which ensures the safety of Indian-flagged merchant ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, including vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh explained that approximately 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and about half of its natural gas are transported via maritime routes, making secure seas vital for India’s economy, energy access, and defense readiness amid increasing operational challenges on global shipping lanes.
Focus on Domestic Shipbuilding Highlights Naval Expansion
Singh noted that the Indian Navy is progressively increasing the proportion of domestically produced systems within its fleet, with recently commissioned warships containing over 75% indigenous content. He added that India plans to induct or commission 18 warships throughout 2026, describing this as the Navy’s largest single-year force enhancement, and indicating that domestic shipbuilding has achieved a higher level of maturity.
The conference covered topics including combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment strategies, technological innovation, and emerging systems. Senior naval officials evaluated the integration 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, with women officers now serving aboard frontline warships and aircraft, and female personnel participating more extensively in naval sailing missions.
International Naval Cooperation Continues to Play a Key Role
The conference also emphasized India’s ongoing maritime cooperation initiatives, including its recent assumption of 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, involving 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, along with representatives from four international organizations. The focus of this task force remains on maritime security training and fostering collaboration 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, including port calls, training exercises, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference, running through October 1, gathered senior naval leaders to review ongoing operations and future strategic needs. During the event, Singh also met with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief to discuss ongoing security cooperation.