NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that India has amplified its role as a primary responder and security ally within the Indian Ocean Region. Addressing the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 29, Singh highlighted that naval deployments now reach the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. He characterized this presence as a testament to the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and its growing operational scope.
During the event, Singh pointed out that increasing maritime congestion, deceptive tactics, and gray-zone activities have made the operational environment more complex. He advocated for enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and analytical systems across India’s maritime domain. The minister also linked naval preparedness to safeguarding trade routes, energy supplies, and national security interests. He reaffirmed that the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in economic security, regional stability, and maritime safety, aligning with the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development plan.
Singh drew attention to Operation Urja Suraksha, which facilitates the transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This operation has included support for vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He mentioned that India imports roughly 85% to 90% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas via maritime routes. As a result, secure sea lanes are integral to the country’s energy security, economic stability, and defense readiness.
Indigenous Shipbuilding Drives Navy Modernization
At the conference, Singh highlighted that the Indian Navy’s modernization efforts increasingly depend on India’s domestic defense manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. He noted that over 75% of the content in recently commissioned warships is indigenous. Looking ahead, he announced plans to induct or commission 18 warships during 2026, marking the largest single-year fleet addition in the service’s history. Singh called for ongoing capability enhancement and greater domestic production to support this growth.
Leaders also examined personnel policies, technological advancements, logistics, training, and operational readiness. Topics such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations are under review during the three-day gathering. The Indian Navy has expanded the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft, which Singh cited as part of the service’s “All Ranks, All Roles” approach, alongside women’s participation in naval sailing expeditions.
India Expands International Maritime Collaboration
In his remarks, Singh also highlighted India’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. India took command of this training-oriented task force in February 2026. During its tenure, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, which involved 276 personnel from 27 countries, along with 76 facilitators and subject specialists, and four international organizations. Singh described this command as a significant contribution to cooperative maritime security.
Furthermore, Singh pointed out INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which took the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The deployment included port visits aimed at naval diplomacy, training, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The Commanders’ Conference, scheduled through October 1, convenes senior naval leaders, operational commanders, and government officials to discuss issues such as combat readiness, maritime security, force development, technology, and inter-service coordination.