Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal by President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the esteemed Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) to Vice Admiral, now Admiral, Krishna Swaminathan at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 29, 2026. This honor was bestowed in recognition of his distinguished and exceptional service to the nation.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan currently holds the position of the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), a role he took on starting May 31, 2026. Before his appointment as the Navy Chief, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and was the 46th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. His career includes numerous key operational and staff roles.
Admiral Swaminathan, an alumnus of Sainik School, Bijapur and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. Specializing in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he has attended military education programs at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK, the College of Naval Warfare in Mumbai, and the Naval War College in Newport, USA.
Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, Admiral Swaminathan has commanded several frontline warships, including INS Vidyut, INS Vinash, INS Kulish, INS Mysore, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, where he became only its second Commanding Officer. During his leadership, INS Vikramaditya was recognized as the Best Ship of the Western Fleet.
In his capacity as a Flag Officer, Admiral Swaminathan has held numerous important roles, such as Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Southern Naval Command, Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group, Chief of Staff at Western Naval Command, Controller of Personnel Services, and Chief of Personnel. His contributions have been pivotal in enhancing operational readiness, naval training, personnel management, and maritime capability development.
The President's award acknowledges Admiral Swaminathan's exceptional role in strengthening the Indian Navy's operational preparedness, maritime security, force modernization, and strategic capability. Under his leadership, the Navy continues to progress in developing indigenous capabilities, fostering joint collaboration among the armed forces, and safeguarding India's maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Admiral Swaminathan has previously received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). The conferment of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal represents another significant achievement in his distinguished naval career, highlighting his exceptional service and leadership at the pinnacle of the Indian Navy.
