NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India has bolstered its role as a primary responder and security ally in the Indian Ocean Region. He shared these insights 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.
According to Singh, increased maritime congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have made the operational environment more complex. He emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and analytical tools across India’s maritime domain. The defence minister also linked naval preparedness with safeguarding trade routes, energy supplies, and national security. He stated that the Indian Navy plays a vital role in supporting economic interests, regional stability, and maritime security, while contributing to the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development vision.
Singh pointed out Operation Urja Suraksha, which facilitates the transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This operation has included assistance for vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He added that India receives approximately 85% to 90% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas via maritime routes. Consequently, secure sea lanes are critically linked to the country’s energy security, economy, and defense readiness.
Naval modernization emphasizes domestic shipbuilding efforts
Singh stated that the Navy’s ongoing modernization increasingly depends on India’s domestic defense manufacturing and shipbuilding industries. He noted that more than 75% of the components in recently commissioned warships are indigenous. Furthermore, Singh announced plans for the induction or commissioning of 18 warships during 2026, marking the largest single-year increase in the navy’s history. He called for sustained capability development and a boost in domestic production.
The conference also examined personnel policies, technological advancements, logistics, training, and operational readiness. Discussions are underway on integrating artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations. The Indian Navy has expanded 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 service’s “All Ranks, All Roles” philosophy.
India advances multinational maritime cooperation efforts
Singh also highlighted India’s command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. India assumed leadership of this training-focused 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 matter experts, and was supported by four international organizations. Singh described the command of this task force as a significant contribution to cooperative maritime security.
Additionally, Singh mentioned 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 engaging with Indian communities abroad. 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 advancements, and inter-agency coordination across India’s armed forces.