Vice Admiral Alok Ananda Assumes Leadership of Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

Vice Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, has officially taken charge as the 13th Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala as of August 1, 2026. This transition marks a significant new phase for the prominent naval training institution. Vice Admiral Ananda takes over from Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, whose tenure was characterized by strategic leadership and a steadfast dedication to upholding the Academy's training standards.

With over 30 years of service in the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Alok Ananda is a distinguished Flag Officer. He graduated from the Naval Academy in Goa and was commissioned into the Navy on July 1, 1993.

Specializing in Navigation and Direction, Vice Admiral Ananda has received advanced military education throughout his career. He completed his Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and pursued further studies at the National Defence College in Thailand.

Vice Admiral Ananda's career includes numerous key operational, staff, and instructional roles, providing him with comprehensive experience in naval operations, military training, and strategic planning.

His sea command assignments include leading the INS Ghorpad and INS Satpura, which greatly contributed to his operational leadership experience within the Indian Navy.

Additionally, Vice Admiral Ananda has been involved in various instructional positions. He served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Navigation and Direction School in Kochi, and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.

This background in military education underscores his long-standing commitment to professional training, which will be crucial in his new role as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy. At Naval Headquarters, he held significant positions such as Commodore Naval Operations and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff for Policy and Plans.

These key staff roles involved him in naval operations, policy making, and planning, adding a strategic layer to his extensive operational and instructional expertise.

For his exceptional service, Vice Admiral Alok Ananda was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal in 2016. Prior to assuming his current position, he commanded the esteemed Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam, marking the last major operational role before his move to Ezhimala.

As he now leads the Indian Naval Academy as its 13th Commandant, Vice Admiral Ananda is set to oversee its training mission. His broad experience in operational command, staff roles, policy planning, and instruction forms the basis for his leadership at the Academy.

The transition also signifies the end of Vice Admiral Manish Chadha’s tenure at the Academy, which was noted for its emphasis on professional standards and vision for training. Vice Admiral Alok Ananda is now tasked with continuing to prepare future officers for service in the Indian Navy.