18 warships to be inducted in 2026, Rajnath says self-reliance key

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 29 September, said India will induct or commission 18 warships in 2026, calling it the 'largest single-year force accretion in the history of the Indian Navy'. Speaking at the three-day Indian Navy Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, Singh said recently commissioned warships contain over 75% domestic content and must now be exported to friendly nations. He described 2026 as a historic year for the Navy.

Singh stressed defence self-reliance 'from chips to ships', including indigenous technology in AI, drones, cyber and space. He directed commanders to upgrade monitoring and response mechanisms against congestion, deception, and grey-zone activities in the Indian Ocean Region. Singh highlighted the Navy's role in ensuring safe transit of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under Operation Urja Suraksha, noting India imports 85-90% of crude oil and about 50% of natural gas by sea. The conference runs through 1 October.

Update, 30 September 2026: The new sources confirm Singh's 29 September speech at the Navy Commanders' Conference. Times of India adds that the 18 warship inductors include stealth frigates and support vessels, and states the Navy's target of a 200-plus-ship force by 2035. Hindustan Times adds context on grey-zone warfare involving China's IOR activities. Both match earlier reports on 75% indigenous content, Operation Urja Suraksha, and the conference running through 1 October.