Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting India’s growing maritime security role and naval capabilities. (Images: Defence Ministry)
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India has emerged as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the growing role and global presence of the Indian Navy. Addressing the second Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh said India’s maritime responsibilities have expanded significantly amid changing security challenges across the seas. He emphasised that a secure maritime environment is directly linked with India’s economic growth, energy security and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Rajnath Singh highlighted that the deployment of Indian warships in strategic regions including the South China Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, reflects the Navy’s expanding blue-water capability. He said maritime challenges such as congestion, deception and grey-zone activities have made the security environment more complex, requiring stronger surveillance and faster response mechanisms.
The Defence Minister called for continuous improvement in India’s maritime monitoring systems to address emerging threats.
Rajnath Singh said the Indian Navy is not only responsible for protecting maritime boundaries, but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding economic interests, ensuring regional stability and strengthening India’s global position. He urged the Navy to continue transforming into a future-ready and combat-capable force equipped to handle evolving security challenges.
Highlighting the Navy’s contribution during the West Asia crisis, the Defence Minister praised efforts under Operation Urja Suraksha, which ensured safe movement of Indian-flagged merchant vessels, including LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that India depends heavily on maritime routes for energy imports, with a large share of crude oil and natural gas supplies transported through sea lanes.
According to Rajnath Singh protecting these routes remains critical for India’s economy and national security.
The Defence Minister also praised India’s progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding and said newly commissioned warships now feature more than 75% indigenous content. He stressed that India should not only meet its own defence requirements, but also expand its capability to export warships to friendly nations.
Rajnath Singh described 2026 as a significant year for the Indian Navy, with plans for the induction or commissioning of 18 warships. He said the development reflects the growing strength of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem while underlining the need for continued capability enhancement.
The Defence Minister appreciated the Navy’s initiatives towards women’s participation and empowerment. He highlighted the deployment of women officers on frontline warships and aircraft, along with their participation in major naval expeditions, including the Navika Sagar Parikrama voyage.
Rajnath Singh also congratulated the Indian Navy for taking command of Combined Task Force-154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. He highlighted initiatives such as Operation Southern Readiness and INS Sudarshini’s Lokayan-26 voyage, which strengthened India’s maritime diplomacy and international engagement.
Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Navy for maintaining high operational readiness despite changing challenges. He said India’s maritime strength is not only about displaying the national flag across oceans, but also about ensuring that the Tricolour represents security, trust and confidence.
The three-day Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference, being held from September 29 to October 1, 2026, is focused on reviewing operational preparedness, maritime security and future capability development.
