NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India has amplified its function as a primary responder and security ally within the Indian Ocean Region. He shared these observations at the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 29. Singh emphasized that naval deployments now reach the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean, illustrating the Indian Navy’s blue-water capacity and broader operational scope.
Singh pointed out that increased maritime congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have complicated the operational landscape. Consequently, he urged for enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and analytical capabilities across India’s maritime domain. The minister also connected naval readiness with safeguarding trade routes, energy supplies, and national security. He highlighted that the Indian Navy plays a vital role in economic security, regional stability, and maritime safety, supporting the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development plan.
He further spotlighted 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 imports approximately 85% to 90% of its crude oil and nearly half of its natural gas via maritime routes. As a result, secure sea lanes are critically linked to the country’s energy security, economy, and defense readiness.
Domestic shipbuilding efforts drive naval modernization
Singh stated that the Navy’s modernization efforts increasingly depend on India’s indigenous defense manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. He mentioned that over 75% of the content in recently commissioned warships is domestic. The minister also revealed plans for the induction or commissioning of 18 warships during 2026, which he described as the largest single-year increment in the history of the service, while emphasizing the need for ongoing capability enhancement and increased domestic production.
The conference also addressed personnel policies, technological advancements, logistics, training, and operational readiness. Navy officials are exploring artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations during this three-day gathering. Additionally, the Indian Navy has expanded the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft, with Singh citing these roles along with women’s participation in naval sailing expeditions as part of the service’s “All Ranks, All Roles” initiative.
India advances international maritime collaboration
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, supported by four international organizations. Singh described the command of this task force as a contribution to collective maritime security efforts.
Furthermore, he pointed out INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which has taken the sail training vessel across the Atlantic into the Mediterranean. The deployment included port visits aimed at naval diplomacy, training, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The Commanders’ Conference, scheduled to conclude on October 1, gathers senior naval officers, operational commanders, and government officials to discuss combat readiness, maritime security, force development, technological innovation, and inter-service coordination.