At the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD 2026), Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the growing challenges facing maritime security. He said that trade barriers in sea lanes and challenges facing freedom of navigation are having an impact on the global system. Rajnath Singh also stressed the need to increase cooperation between the countries on security of ports, undersea cables and energy infrastructure.
Tezzbuzz Desk – Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 held in Delhi on Wednesday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the global maritime security environment has become tense due to trade barriers. He also mentioned the challenges facing freedom of navigation and the weaponization of narrow sea lanes.
According to Rajnath Singh, increasing instability in the maritime sector impacts the broader international structure. He said that the oceans have never been distant or unknown to India. For centuries, Indian sailors have been exchanging goods as well as knowledge, culture and human relations through these waterways.
The need for reliable maritime infrastructure
The Defense Minister said that the need for reliable maritime infrastructure has increased in the changing circumstances. For this, better information, awareness and mutual cooperation between countries is necessary. He also stressed on developing the ability to anticipate, prevent and overcome obstacles.
Rajnath Singh said that the scope of maritime security is no longer limited to traditional naval security. Along with the security of maritime trade routes, the security of ports, undersea cables, offshore energy infrastructure and other vital maritime assets is equally important.
Rajnath Singh said that the threats arising in maritime areas are not limited to conventional military activities. It is also important to address non-traditional challenges such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, cyber attacks and natural disasters.
He said that the nature of the maritime sector is changing, hence understanding and preparedness regarding maritime security will also have to be developed. The role of sharing information and enhancing cooperation is critical amid changing risks.
Emphasis on making global trade and supply chain safe
The Defense Minister said that it would not be appropriate to retreat from globalization or try to close the sea routes that have made human progress possible. Instead, there is a need to make interdependence more secure and diversify the supply chain.
He also stressed the importance of protecting maritime trade from barriers and maintaining strong global connectivity.
Referring to the changes taking place in technology, Rajnath Singh said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way data is processed. At the same time, autonomous systems are expanding the possibilities of surveillance and missions.
He said that innovation should not only be evaluated on the basis of what it can achieve, but also what problems it can solve. Maritime security, international cooperation, technological innovation and strengthening of global supply chains were the main issues in his address.