Navy pushes combat readiness, technology absorption at Commanders' meet
New Delhi, Sep 30 (UNI) The second edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference 2026 began at Nausena Bhawan here on Wednesday, with the top leadership of the Indian Navy deliberating on maritime security, operational preparedness and future capability development.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, in his inaugural address, reviewed the prevailing maritime security environment and the Navy's operational posture, stressing the need to maintain high levels of combat readiness, agility and responsiveness while accelerating technology absorption and capability development.
Addressing the Naval Commanders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Indian Navy's expanding strategic role and described it as a "First Responder" and "Preferred Security Partner" in the Indian Ocean Region. He called for enhanced maritime surveillance, analytical capabilities and operational responsiveness. Referring to the security situation in West Asia, Singh highlighted the Navy's role in Operation Urja Suraksha and its contribution to protecting India's energy security. He also stressed Aatmanirbharta, indigenous capability development and rapid technology absorption, underlining the importance of secure seas to a secure and developed India.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani described the Navy as a strategic force multiplier and commended its efforts towards technology absorption, Aatmanirbharta and safeguarding the country's energy security. He emphasised that the changing character of warfare required accelerated technology transformation, seamless data sharing and greater resilience and sustainment, backed by enhanced jointness and integration among the three Services.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth also interacted with the Naval Commanders and shared his assessment of the contemporary security environment. The discussions focused on strengthening Tri-Service synergy, interoperability and integrated responses to emerging security challenges. The interactions with the CDS and COAS provided the Naval leadership an opportunity to exchange views on the evolving nature of warfare, capability development and the growing importance of integrated operations.
The three-day conference will also deliberate on operations, materiel, logistics, human resources, training, force development and induction of emerging technologies. Measures to optimise force levels, strengthen combat preparedness and accelerate capability development are also expected to be reviewed.
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