NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India has enhanced its position as a key responder and security ally in the Indian Ocean Region. He conveyed this at the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on September 29, emphasizing that naval deployments now reach into the South China Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Ocean. Singh characterized this presence as a testament to the Indian Navy’s blue-water capabilities and its expanding operational scope.
The minister pointed out that increasing maritime congestion, deception tactics, and gray-zone activities have made the operational environment more complex. He urged for improved monitoring, surveillance, and analytical tools across India’s maritime domain. Singh linked naval preparedness directly to safeguarding trade routes, energy resources, and national security. He affirmed that the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in economic protection, regional stability, and maritime security, aligning with the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 development vision.
Singh highlighted Operation Urja Suraksha, which facilitates the transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation has supported vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas. He noted that India imports approximately 85% to 90% of its crude oil and about half of its natural gas via maritime routes. Consequently, secure sea lanes are vital to the country’s energy security, economy, and defense readiness.
Domestic shipbuilding fuels naval modernization efforts
The Indian Navy’s modernization program increasingly depends on India’s domestic defense manufacturing and shipbuilding industries, Singh stated. He revealed that over 75% of the components in recently commissioned warships are indigenous. The minister also announced plans to induct or commission 18 warships during 2026, describing this as the largest single-year fleet expansion in the navy’s history. He called for ongoing capability enhancement and greater domestic production to sustain this growth.
The conference addressed personnel policies, technological advancements, logistics, training, and operational readiness. Leaders in the navy are exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, autonomous systems, and cyber operations during this three-day gathering. The Indian Navy has also increased the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft. Singh pointed to these assignments and women’s participation in naval sailing expeditions as elements of the service’s “All Ranks, All Roles” strategy.
India enhances international maritime cooperation efforts
Singh highlighted India’s leadership of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces, which India took command of in February 2026. During its leadership, Kochi hosted Operation Southern Readiness, involving 276 personnel from 27 countries, along with 76 facilitators and subject specialists, supported by four international organizations. Singh described this command role as a significant contribution to cooperative maritime security.
He also referenced INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan 26 voyage, which has seen the sail training ship traverse the Atlantic Ocean and reach the Mediterranean. The deployment included port visits aimed at naval diplomacy, training, and engagement with Indian communities abroad. The Commanders’ Conference, running through October 1, gathers senior naval officials, operational commanders, and government representatives to discuss combat readiness, maritime security, force development, technology, and inter-service coordination in India’s armed forces.