Vice Admiral Manish Chadha Appointed as Commandant of Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has officially assumed the position of Commandant at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala. He takes over from Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM, marking a significant leadership transition at the renowned naval training institution, which is the largest of its kind in Asia.

Vice Admiral Chadha is a seasoned naval officer with over 30 years of service. Specializing in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he has received training from the National Defense University in the USA and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. He began his naval career after being commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, following his education in the 78th NDA course.

Throughout his distinguished career, Vice Admiral Chadha has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise. He commanded several ships, including ICGS-05, INS Veer, and INS Kirpan, which are missile corvettes, and led the INS Mysore, a frontline guided missile destroyer. He also served as the Executive Officer on INS Talwar (F40).
In strategic staff roles, he directed Project Amber and Rukmani, focusing on upgrading naval communications. Additionally, he was the Naval Attaché to Russia, fostering Indo-Russian naval cooperation, and directed the International Fleet Review in 2016, one of India's most significant naval events.

At the flag rank level, Vice Admiral Chadha served as the Flag Officer Commanding in both the Gujarat and Maharashtra Naval Areas. Between 2021 and 2022, he was in charge of operations in Gujarat and the Union Territories as FOGNA, and from 2023 to 2025, he led the Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA), which includes overseeing naval operations based in Mumbai.
His tenure included significant roles in personnel and human resource development within the Indian Navy. Twice, he was appointed as Assistant Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters, where he focused on administration, civilian personnel, and human resource development, aligning his efforts with his responsibilities at the INA.

Vice Admiral Chadha's achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2025 and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2017. These honors reflect his contributions to strengthening India's maritime capabilities.
The Indian Naval Academy, located in Kerala’s Kannur district, spans 2,452 acres with a beachfront of seven kilometers. Established in 2009 and inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Academy trains officers for the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies. It received the President’s Colour in 2019, the highest military distinction for an institution.
Vice Admiral Chadha succeeds Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, who served as Commandant from August 2024 to July 2025. During his tenure, Nair was instrumental in advancing infrastructure, updating the curriculum, and enhancing international relations. He now serves at Naval Headquarters as Controller Personnel Services.

Looking ahead, Vice Admiral Chadha plans to focus on modernizing naval education by incorporating electronic warfare and digital technologies. He aims to enhance international collaboration and elevate the INA's role as a leading global center for naval excellence.
With his extensive operational background, strategic understanding, and expertise in human resource management, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha is poised to lead the Indian Naval Academy into a new phase of development. His appointment is expected to continue the trajectory of modernization and global engagement in India’s naval training and officer development initiatives.