NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is expanding its maritime security role across the Indian Ocean Region. He spoke at the Indian Navy’s second Commanders’ Conference of 2026 in New Delhi on September 29. Singh said Indian warships now operate in the South China Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. He said those deployments reflect the Navy’s ability to sustain operations far from India’s shores and support national maritime interests.
Singh said congestion, deception and gray-zone activity have made the maritime environment more complex. He called for stronger surveillance, better monitoring and faster analysis across India’s maritime domain. The minister also tied maritime security to the country’s trade, energy supplies and defence readiness. India depends heavily on sea routes for imported energy, making the protection of shipping lanes an important part of the Navy’s operational responsibilities.
The minister highlighted Operation Urja Suraksha, which supports Indian-flagged merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The effort has included vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas. Singh said maritime routes handle about 85% to 90% of India’s crude oil imports and roughly half of its natural gas. He said secure seas therefore remain closely linked to India’s economy, energy access and defence preparedness as global shipping routes face growing operational pressure.
Naval expansion puts focus on domestic shipbuilding
Rajnath Singh said the Indian Navy continues to increase the share of locally built systems across its fleet. He said recently commissioned warships contain more than 75% indigenous content. The government also plans the induction or commissioning of 18 warships during 2026. Singh described that figure as the Navy’s largest single-year force addition and said domestic shipbuilding has reached a higher level of maturity.
The conference also examined combat readiness, future capabilities, recruitment, innovation and new technology. Senior commanders reviewed the use of artificial intelligence, big data tools, autonomous systems and cyber capabilities. The Indian Navy has also widened opportunities for women under its “All Ranks, All Roles” approach. Women officers now serve on frontline warships and aircraft, while naval sailing missions have also included expanded participation by female personnel.
Multinational cooperation remains part of naval agenda
India’s maritime cooperation agenda also featured at the conference. The country assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces in February 2026. During that tenure, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness with 276 personnel from 27 countries. The event included 76 facilitators and subject specialists, along with representatives from four international organizations. The task force focuses on maritime security training and cooperation among participating nations.
Singh also cited INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which has taken the sail training ship across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. The deployment has included overseas port calls, training activity and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The three-day Commanders’ Conference runs through October 1 and brings together senior naval leadership to review operations and future requirements. Singh also met the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army chief during the conference.