Indian Naval Commanders' Conference 2026 Concludes with Focus on Operational Readiness and Technology
The second edition of the biannual Naval Commanders' Conference 2026 was conducted from September 29 to October 1, 2026, in New Delhi. This apex-level conference served as a comprehensive review platform for the Indian Navy's operational and materiel preparedness at the military-strategic level. The three-day conference brought together naval commanders to deliberate on operational preparedness, logistics and maintenance milestones, and reforms undertaken in training and HR management.
Key discussions occurred against the backdrop of the evolving global security environment and rapid technological advances, including the absorption of artificial intelligence and the growing role of autonomous and uncrewed systems. The conference emphasized jointness, interagency coordination, optimal utilization of resources, and strategic alignment toward building a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready force.
Senior government officials and military leadership participated in the conference. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister), interacted with the Naval Commanders. Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon'ble Minister of State for Electronics and IT, highlighted the importance of accelerating technology adoption and strengthening domestic capabilities in key sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies. He specifically lauded the Indian Navy's role in ensuring India's energy security and highlighted the Government of India's focus on strengthening sovereignty in semiconductor and chip production.
Military leadership included Gen NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff, who underscored the Navy's role as a strategic force multiplier in safeguarding national interests. He commended the Indian Navy's operational commitment to maintaining energy security and its sustained efforts toward technology absorption and indigenization. He emphasized the need for technology-driven transformation, resilience, and greater integration among the Defence Forces.
Gen Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff, outlined the preparedness of the Indian Army to address regional security challenges. His interaction with the Naval Commanders on September 29, 2026, focused on perspectives regarding the contemporary security environment, further strengthening Tri-Service synergy, interoperability, and integrated responses to emerging security challenges.