Navy Told To Maintain Combat Readiness, Step Up Maritime Surveillance

New Delhi, September 30, 2026: Indian defence chiefs have instructed naval officers to sustain combat readiness and intensify maritime surveillance, underscoring the Navy’s importance in safeguarding India’s energy security in the context of the West Asia situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan participated in the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2026, which is being held at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi from September 29 to October 1.

The three-day event has gathered the Navy’s senior leadership, encompassing operational and area commanders.

Addressing the Indian Navy Commanders Conference, Singh highlighted India’s expanding strategic responsibilities in the maritime arena and characterized the Navy as a first responder and "preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region". He called for bolstered maritime surveillance, analytical capabilities, and operational responsiveness.

With West Asia developments placing greater emphasis on crucial maritime routes, Singh emphasized Operation Urja Suraksha, spearheaded by the Indian Navy, and its contribution to preserving India’s energy security. The focus underscores the significance of maritime preparedness as disruptions at sea can have far-reaching consequences beyond security.

Singh stressed "aatmanirbharta", or indigenous capability development and technology absorption, asserting that "secure seas are integral to a secure nation and a developed nation". General Subramani described the Indian Navy as a "strategic force multiplier" and stressed technology transformation, data sharing, and resilience in modern warfare.

He also praised the Navy's efforts toward technology absorption, "aatmanirbharta" and preserving India’s energy security. Technology emerged as a central focus, with the CDS highlighting the evolving nature of warfare and calling for accelerated technology transformation, seamless data sharing, greater resilience, and cohesion. He also advocated for greater jointness and integration among the three services, signaling how technology and coordination are becoming increasingly pivotal to military preparedness.