Commodore Kartik Murthy Assumes Command of Eastern Naval Command's INS Circars

On December 22, 2025, Commodore Kartik Murthy, VSM, assumed command of INS Circars, the Base Depot Ship of the Eastern Naval Command, succeeding Commodore Happy Mohan, VSM.

Commodore Murthy, who joined the Indian Navy on January 1, 1998, brings nearly 30 years of experience as a Gunnery and Missile Specialist. Throughout his service, he has undertaken various staff and instructional roles, significantly contributing to operational readiness and military education.

His extensive naval career includes command of several frontline and auxiliary warships such as INS T-80, INS Vipul, INS Kuthar, and INS Satpura. Onshore, he has served at Naval Headquarters and the National Security Council Secretariat, engaging in higher defence strategy and national security issues.

Commodore Murthy's career also includes a notable diplomatic role as the Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, where he bolstered defence ties and naval diplomacy between India and Indonesia.

His academic credentials are impressive, with studies at the National Defence Academy, Indonesian Naval Staff and Command College, Naval War College in Goa, and the National Defence College. For his exceptional service, he was honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2023.

The change of command ceremony was held with traditional naval protocols, signifying a seamless transition of leadership at a pivotal logistics and support unit of the Eastern Naval Command. INS Circars is crucial in providing administrative, logistical, and depot-level support to naval forces operating on the eastern coast.

Upon taking command, Commodore Murthy pledged to maintain the esteemed standards of the Indian Navy and enhance INS Circars' support to operational units, reflecting the Navy's dedication to operational readiness, leadership continuity, and institutional excellence.