Vice Admiral Manish Chadha Takes Command as Director General of Naval Operations

Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has taken over as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) as of August 3, 2026. This role is a key position within the Indian Navy, involving the planning, directing, and supervision of maritime operations.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Chadha is recognized as a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. With over 35 years of service, he has occupied numerous command, operational, and staff roles within the Navy.

Throughout his prominent career, Vice Admiral Chadha has led several major naval units, including Coast Guard Ship CGS-05, INS Veer, INS Kirpan, and the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore. His command positions at sea have furnished him with substantial insights into maritime operations, fleet management, and maintaining combat readiness.

Beyond his operational duties, Vice Admiral Chadha has fulfilled significant roles onshore. Notably, he was the Naval Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, focusing on enhancing naval and defense collaborations with Russia. He also commanded the Maharashtra Naval Area and the Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, overseeing coastal security, naval infrastructure, and operational readiness in these critical maritime zones.

Before stepping into the role of DGNO, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the professional education, leadership development, and operational training of upcoming Indian Naval officers.

In his new position as Director General Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Chadha will be responsible for the oversight of operational planning, maritime security missions, fleet deployments, and strategic naval operations within the Indian Navy. His role will be central to efforts aimed at securing India's maritime interests, maintaining security in the Indian Ocean Region, and preparing the Navy to meet evolving regional and global challenges.

Vice Admiral Chadha's appointment underscores the Indian Navy's focus on seasoned operational leadership amid its ongoing modernization efforts and expansion across the Indo-Pacific. Given his extensive experience both at sea and onshore, he is anticipated to significantly contribute to enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities and advancing India's maritime security objectives.