Top Navy commanders will hold extensive deliberations during a four-day conference from Tuesday on security challenges facing India on the sea front with a focus on China's rising naval prowess and the surge in its military presence in the Indian Ocean region.<br/><br/>The bi-annual 'naval commanders' conference will also review the implementation of the Navy's ambitious modernisation plan, its combat readiness and a host of other operational and strategic issues.<br/> <br/>Navy Spokesperson Captain D K Sharma said a host of operational issues, including efforts to make the Navy self-reliant and modernise its warfare capability by means of unmanned systems will also be examined by the top commanders.<br/><br/>The conference will be addressed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and top Defence Ministry officials are expected to attend its various sessions.<br/><br/> Sharma said the commanders will also review the security of various naval establishments in the backdrop of terrorist threats and the prevailing security scenario.