Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod Assumes Role as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff

On August 1, 2026, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod took over as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), marking a new chapter in his illustrious career within the Indian Navy. He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who retired on July 31, 2026, after serving for over 38 years. With more than 36 years of dedicated service, Vice Admiral Pramod brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role.

Vice Admiral Pramod's naval journey began at the Naval Academy in Goa, where he was part of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course. His commissioning into the Indian Navy occurred on July 1, 1990. As a Category 'A' Sea King Air Operations Officer and a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, his education includes the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College in Goa.

Throughout his career, Vice Admiral Pramod has held numerous operational, command, instructional, and staff positions both at sea and on shore. His sea assignments include serving as Executive Officer on the guided missile destroyer INS Rajput and commanding roles on several vessels, such as INS Abhay, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel, INS Shardul, a Landing Ship Tank (Large), and the stealth guided missile frigate INS Satpura. These roles have equipped him with extensive knowledge of fleet operations, amphibious warfare, and maritime combat.

During the Galwan Valley crisis, Vice Admiral Pramod served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, playing a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy's operational preparedness. Earlier in his career, he was involved in Operation Vijay during the 1999 Kargil conflict and Operation Parakram in 2001, gaining vital experience in these significant military operations.

Ashore, Vice Admiral Pramod has held key positions, including commanding INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station at Sri Vijaya Puram, and serving as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, where he trained future military leaders. At Naval Headquarters, he has served in roles such as Joint Director Naval Air Staff, Director Aircraft Acquisition, and Principal Director Aircraft Acquisition, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the Indian Navy's aviation strength.

His involvement in strategic planning includes serving as a member of the Tactical Audit Group from 2006 to 2009 and the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019, where he was instrumental in operational planning and maritime strategy development.

After being promoted to Rear Admiral, he served as Deputy Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), and later as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA), where he managed crucial operational and administrative duties on India's western coast.

Upon becoming Vice Admiral, he assumed the role of Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) in December 2023. During his tenure, he was pivotal in planning and maintaining the Indian Navy's readiness, particularly during Operation Sindoor. He coordinated maritime deployments to support India's national security and was actively involved in maritime security operations amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Vice Admiral Pramod's contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2024 and the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in 2025, reflecting his exceptional service and leadership.

As he begins his tenure as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod will oversee operational planning, force modernization, capability development, and strategic policy at Naval Headquarters. His extensive operational background and expertise in naval aviation and electronic warfare position him to further the Indian Navy's technological and strategic advancements.

This appointment comes at a time when the Indian Navy is enhancing its blue-water capabilities, bolstering indigenous defense manufacturing, and strengthening maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region. Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod is expected to play a crucial role in defining the future trajectory of India's maritime capabilities.