New Delhi: The second edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2026 began at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi on September 29, bringing together senior Indian Navy leadership to review operational preparedness, maritime security and future capability development.
The three-day conference is being attended by Operational and Area Commanders and will include discussions on operations, logistics, human resources, training, force development and the induction of emerging technologies.
Navy Reviews Operational Preparedness and Future Capabilities
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan opened the conference by reviewing the prevailing maritime security environment and the Navy’s operational posture.
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He stressed the need to maintain combat readiness, agility and responsiveness while accelerating technology absorption and capability development to address emerging challenges in the maritime domain.
During the conference, naval leadership will also review measures related to force levels, combat readiness, logistics and the induction of new technologies.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Navy’s Role in Indian Ocean Region
Addressing the Naval Commanders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s growing strategic responsibilities in the maritime domain and described the Indian Navy as a “First Responder and Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.
He called for strengthening maritime surveillance, analytical capabilities and operational responsiveness. Referring to the situation in West Asia, Singh also highlighted the Navy’s role in Operation Urja Suraksha and its contribution to safeguarding India’s energy security.
The Defence Minister further stressed Aatmanirbharta, indigenous capability development and faster technology absorption.
CDS Calls for Technology Transformation and Jointness
Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani described the Indian Navy as a strategic force multiplier and highlighted its efforts towards technology absorption, self-reliance and energy security.
He stressed the changing character of warfare and called for accelerated technology transformation, seamless data sharing and greater resilience and sustainment. He also emphasised jointness and integration among the three Services.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth also interacted with the Naval Commanders on the contemporary security environment. Discussions covered Tri-Service synergy, interoperability and integrated responses to emerging security challenges.
Three-Day Conference to Focus on Emerging Technologies
The remaining sessions of the conference will cover operations, materiel, logistics, human resources, training, force development and emerging technologies.
The Naval leadership will also examine measures to optimise force levels, strengthen combat readiness and accelerate capability development.
The conference comes amid the Navy’s continuing emphasis on technology absorption, indigenous capability development and greater integration with the other Services in response to changing maritime and warfare requirements.
