New Delhi: The second edition of the Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference 2026 was held at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, from 29 September to 1 October, bringing together the operational and regional commanders to discuss maritime security, combat preparedness, and future capability developments.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath highlighted the Navy’s growing strategic role and operational reach, describing India as a “First Responder” and a “Preferred Security Partner” of the Indian Ocean Region. Referring to the situation in West Asia, he focused on Operation Urja Suraksha, which was carried out by the Navy to protect the Indian-flagged ships, especially LPG carriers and energy vessels, through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that about 85–90% of India’s crude oil and around 50% of its natural gas move by sea, making secure sea lanes vital for the economy, energy security and defence preparedness.
He also described 2026 as a historic year for the Navy, with 18 warships planned for induction or commissioning, the largest single-year force accretion in its history, and said recently commissioned warships have over 75% indigenous content.
He also commended the deployment of INS Sudarshini for Lokayan-26, which strengthened India’s maritime diplomacy and engagement with the Indian diaspora across the United States, Atlantic and Mediterranean regions while showcasing India’s maritime heritage. He stressed Aatmanirbharta, indigenous capability development and faster technology absorption, linking secure seas to a secure and developed India and underscoring the Navy’s role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Gen N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff acknowledged the Navy as a strategic force multiplier and commended its work on technology absorption, self-reliance and energy security. He emphasized the evolving nature of combat and the need for accelerated technology change, seamless information exchange, resilience, and sustenance, all supported by increased jointness and integration within the Services.
Chief of the Naval Staff Adm Krishna Swaminathan opened the conference with a review of the maritime security environment and the Navy’s operational posture, urging high combat readiness, agility and quicker induction of new technologies. Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth interacted with commanders to strengthen tri‑service synergy, interoperability and integrated responses to emerging security challenges.
Over three days, commanders held detailed sessions on operations, materiel, logistics, human resources, training and force development, including measures to optimise force levels and accelerate capability induction.
