Admiral Krishna Swaminathan takes charge as new Navy Chief

In his first address as Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Swaminathan reaffirmed the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment to jointness, aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and indigenisation, stating that these would remain the key focus areas during his tenure.

In Short

• Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is India's 27th Chief of Naval Staff
• He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour on South Block lawns
• Jointness, aatmanirbharta, indigenisation to be his key focus areas

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday took charge as the new chief of the Indian Navy, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, who retired from service. Prior to his formal appointment as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Swaminathan served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

On the occasion of assuming office as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Swaminathan was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the South Block lawns. His wife and two daughters were also present there for the ceremony.

In his first address as Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Swaminathan reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s steadfast commitment to jointness, aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and indigenisation, stating that these would remain the key focus areas during his tenure.

"I'm extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work with the men and women of the Indian Navy, whom I consider the finest professionals anywhere in the world," he said.

Admiral Swaminathan further said that the welfare, well-being, professional development and personal growth of naval personnel would be of paramount importance to him.

Speaking to the media, the new Navy Chief described the regional security environment as "challenging, complex, and unpredictable" and asserted that maintaining peak operational readiness will be his highest priority.

"The Indian Navy stands vigilant to protect national interests wherever they are and is very actively deployed in a regional security environment that continues to remain challenging, complex, unpredictable, and uncertain," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

He also praised Admiral Tripathi, describing him as one of the "finest" military professionals globally.

"I'd like to express the collective gratitude of the Indian Navy to Admiral Dinesh Tripathi for his highly meritorious and illustrious service to the nation. He has been an extremely effective CNS," said Admiral Swaminathan.

WHO IS ADMIRAL KRISHNA SWAMINATHAN?

Admiral Swaminathan's career in the Navy spans nearly four decades. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. He is a specialist in communication and electronic warfare.

Besides the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, the officer is also an alum of the College of Naval Warfare in Maharashtra's Karanja, the Joint Services Command and Staff College in UK's Shrivenham, and the United States Naval War College in Rhode Island.

A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has held several key operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career.

As a Rear Admiral, he served as Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command in Kochi, where he played a significant role in shaping training frameworks across the Indian Navy.

He was also instrumental in establishing the Indian Naval Safety Team, which was tasked with strengthening operational safety protocols across the maritime force.

Admiral Swaminathan has commanded the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya during his career. He has also held the commands of guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, missile corvette INS Kulish, and missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash.

- Ends
(With inputs from PTI)