India Has Emerged As Key Security Partner In Indian Ocean Region: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

India is now regarded as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with the Indian Navy playing a critical role in maintaining peace and prosperity, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking at the second edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh commended the Navy's efforts in safeguarding the region’s economic and security interests, positioning India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific.

Addressing naval commanders, Singh highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, noting that a significant portion of global trade passes through these waters, making it both valuable and sensitive. He underscored the threats of piracy, drone and missile attacks, and disruptions to underwater cable networks while praising the Navy’s successful anti-piracy operations, which have earned global recognition.

“India is now seen as a preferred security partner in this entire region. Whenever the need arises, we will ensure the security of the region,” Singh stated.

The Defence Minister also emphasised the Indian Navy’s role as the first responder in times of crisis in the region, underscoring its growing credibility. He called on naval commanders to remain vigilant and adaptable in light of the volatile global security environment, stressing the importance of maintaining robust naval capabilities to protect India's trade, transport, and national interests.

Singh reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing the Navy’s capabilities, highlighting efforts to build a self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) force through the induction of state-of-the-art ships and submarines. He revealed that 64 vessels are currently being built in Indian shipyards, with orders for 24 more. Over the past five years, two-thirds of the Navy's modernization budget has been dedicated to indigenous procurement, significantly advancing India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The Defence Minister encouraged further strides towards self-reliance, expressing confidence that the Navy's transition from a “buyer” to a “builder” would lead to full self-sufficiency by 2047.

In addition to indigenisation, Singh stressed the need for greater coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to enhance maritime security. He attended a technology demonstration during the event, showcasing indigenous innovations such as autonomous systems and software-defined radios, developed by the Navy's R&D wing, Weapons & Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment.

The Naval Commanders’ Conference, a biannual apex-level event, facilitates discussions on strategic, operational, and administrative issues crucial to India’s maritime security. Attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officials, the conference plays a key role in shaping the future course of the Indian Navy amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.