Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla Takes Command of Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam
At a formal ceremonial parade in Visakhapatnam, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), following the retirement of Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar after a distinguished tenure in the Indian Navy.
Vice Admiral Bhalla, who joined the Indian Navy in 1989, boasts a remarkable career of over 36 years. With expertise in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he has commanded key warships such as INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, and INS Beas. His leadership as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) was marked by crucial maritime operations and fleet exercises along the Eastern Seaboard.
Throughout his service, Vice Admiral Bhalla has held numerous significant Command and Staff roles, greatly influencing the Navy's operational and strategic directives. His prominent positions have included Chief of Staff at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development) at Naval Headquarters, Director of the Maritime Doctrine and Concept Centre (MDCC), and an overseas diplomatic assignment advocating India's naval interests.
Vice Admiral Bhalla has an impressive academic background, having attended leading military institutions such as the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in London, the Naval War College in Goa, and the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington. Before his current appointment, he was the Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters in New Delhi, managing human resource policies and the development of officers.
Honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nao Sena Medal (NM), Vice Admiral Bhalla is recognized for his outstanding service and leadership capabilities.
As the incoming FOC-in-C of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Bhalla will oversee one of the most formidable operational commands in the Indian Navy, tasked with protecting India's strategic interests and maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
