Indian NavyChief of Naval StaffVice Admiral Krishna SwaminathanAdmiral Dinesh K TripathiMilitary Appointments
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Appointed New Indian Navy Chief
Published: May 9, 2026
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Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of Naval Staff, taking charge on May 31. He is currently serving as the Western Naval Commander in Mumbai and will succeed Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who has been in the position since April 30, 2024.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan has a distinguished career in the Indian Navy, with expertise in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, and has held several senior positions, including Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command and Controller Personnel Services at Naval Headquarters.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan has commanded several ships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and has served as Flag Officer Sea Training and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and has trained at various institutions, including the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK and the United States Naval War College.
The immediate outlook is that Vice Admiral Swaminathan will take charge on May 31, with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi handing over command. The Indian Navy will likely undergo a transition period, with Vice Admiral Swaminathan expected to outline his vision and priorities for the force in the coming weeks.