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. Speaking at the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 29, Singh highlighted that naval deployments now reach into the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. He characterized this extended presence as a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and growing operational scope.
According to Singh, increased maritime congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have raised the operational environment’s complexity. 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 resources, and national security. He stated that the Indian Navy’s efforts support economic security, regional stability, and maritime safety, aligning with the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development plan.
The defence minister pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which facilitates the movement of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation has supported vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. Singh noted that India imports approximately 85% to 90% of its crude oil and around half of its natural gas via maritime routes. Consequently, secure sea lanes are vital for the nation’s energy supplies, economy, and defense readiness.
Domestic Shipbuilding Drives Naval Modernization
Singh highlighted that the Navy’s modernization efforts increasingly depend on India’s domestic defence manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. He mentioned that more than 75% of the content in recently commissioned warships is indigenous. The minister also announced plans to induct or commission 18 warships during 2026, marking the largest single-year fleet addition in the service’s history. He called for ongoing capability enhancement and greater emphasis on domestic production.
During the three-day conference, senior naval officials reviewed policies related to personnel, technology adoption, logistics, training, and operational readiness. The discussions included emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations. The Indian Navy has also increased the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft, with Singh citing these roles and women’s participation in naval sailing expeditions as part of the “All Ranks, All Roles” policy.
India Enhances Multinational Maritime Collaboration
Singh pointed out India’s leadership of the Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces, which it assumed command of in February 2026. During its tenure, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 countries, along with 76 facilitators, subject specialists, and four international organizations. Singh described the command of this task force as a contribution to global maritime security cooperation.
He also highlighted INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which took the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The mission included port visits aimed at naval diplomacy, training, and engaging with Indian communities abroad. The Commanders’ Conference, scheduled to run through October 1, gathers senior naval leaders, operational commanders, and government officials to discuss readiness, maritime security, force development, technology, and inter-service coordination.