The second edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference 2026 commenced at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi on September 29, 2026, bringing together the senior leadership of the Indian Navy including Operational and Area Commanders. The three-day conference focuses on deliberations regarding operational preparedness, maritime security, and future capability development.
Chief of the Naval Staff Adm Krishna Swaminathan delivered the inaugural address, reviewing the prevailing maritime security environment and the Indian Navy's operational posture. He emphasized the imperative of maintaining high combat readiness, agility, and responsiveness while accelerating technology absorption and capability development to address contemporary and emerging maritime challenges.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the commanders, underscoring India's growing strategic responsibilities in the maritime domain and highlighting the Indian Navy's role as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region. He stressed the need to strengthen maritime surveillance, analytical capability, and operational responsiveness. Referring to the situation in West Asia, he highlighted the Navy's conduct of Operation Urja Suraksha and its contribution to safeguarding India's energy security. He also emphasized Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), indigenous capability development, and technology absorption, noting that secure seas are integral to a secure and developed nation.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani acknowledged the Indian Navy as a strategic force multiplier and commended its sustained efforts toward technology absorption, Aatmanirbharta, and safeguarding India's energy security. He highlighted the changing character of warfare and emphasized the need for accelerated technology transformation, seamless data sharing, enhanced resilience and sustenance, underpinned by greater Jointness and integration across the Services.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth also interacted with the Naval Commanders, sharing perspectives on the contemporary security environment. The interaction focused on further strengthening Tri-Service synergy, interoperability, and integrated responses to emerging security challenges. The discussions reinforced the need for closer coordination and continued exchange of operational lessons among the Services toward enhancing joint preparedness.
During the remaining sessions of the conference, the Naval leadership will undertake detailed deliberations on Operations, Materiel, Logistics, Human Resources, Training, force development, and induction of emerging technologies. Measures to optimize force levels, strengthen combat readiness, and accelerate capability development will also be reviewed.