India first responder, preferred security partner in Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Sep 29 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India has emerged as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, asserting that the Indian Navy's expanding operational presence reflects the country's growing blue-water force capability and strategic responsibilities. Addressing the second edition of the Indian Navy's biannual Commanders' Conference 2026 at Nausena Bhawan here, Singh said the presence of Indian warships in the South China Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans demonstrated the Navy's ability to operate across distant maritime regions. "India stands firm as the First Responder, Preferred Security Partner and as…