NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India has bolstered its role as a primary responder and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region. He conveyed this during the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference held in New Delhi on September 29. Singh highlighted that naval deployments now reach the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean, showcasing the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and growing operational scope.
Singh emphasized that increased maritime congestion, deceptive tactics, and gray-zone activities have made the operating environment more complex. He called for enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and analytical capabilities across India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked naval preparedness to safeguarding trade routes, energy supplies, and national security. He stated that the Indian Navy’s efforts support economic protection, regional stability, and maritime security, aligning with the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development plan.
The defence minister pointed to Operation Urja Suraksha, which facilitates the transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This operation has supported vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh noted that India depends on maritime routes for approximately 85% to 90% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas. Consequently, secure sea lanes are vital to India’s energy security, economy, and defense readiness.
Domestic Shipbuilding Drives Naval Modernization
Singh stated that India’s naval modernization increasingly depends on the country’s domestic defence manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. He highlighted that over 75% of the equipment in recently commissioned warships is domestically produced. The minister also revealed plans to induct or commission 18 warships by 2026, marking the largest single-year fleet expansion in Indian Navy history. He called for ongoing capability enhancement and increased domestic production.
Discussions at the conference covered personnel policies, technological advancements, logistics, training, and operational readiness. Navy officials are exploring artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations during the three-day event. The Indian Navy has also expanded the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft. Singh highlighted these initiatives, along with women’s participation in naval sailing expeditions, as part of the service’s “All Ranks, All Roles” philosophy.
India Enhances Multinational Maritime Engagement
Singh acknowledged India’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces, which India took command of in February 2026. During its leadership, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 countries, along with 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, supported by four international organizations. Singh described this command role as a significant contribution to cooperative maritime security.
He also highlighted INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which took the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. This deployment included port visits aimed at naval diplomacy, training, and engagement with Indian communities overseas. The Commanders’ Conference, running through October 1, gathers senior naval leaders, operational commanders, and government officials to discuss combat readiness, maritime security, force development, technological innovation, and inter-service coordination across India’s armed forces.