New Delhi, India, May 29: Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, PVSM, AVSM, NM, on Friday assumed charge as the 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS). Upon taking office, he paid solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Outgoing Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan also laid a wreath during the ceremony.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, Vice Admiral Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1988. A specialist in Gunnery and Missile Systems, he has served across critical command, operational, and staff appointments over a distinguished career spanning more than 37 years.
He has commanded INS Nashak, INS Vibhuti, and INS Kirpan, and also served as the commissioning Commanding Officer of the frigate INS Trikand. As Commanding Officer of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, he oversaw the successful integration and operationalisation of its air wing.
Vice Admiral Kochhar is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), the Naval War College (Goa), and the Royal College of Defence Studies (United Kingdom). His key staff appointments at Naval Headquarters include Joint Director Naval Plans, Director Staff Requirements, and Principal Director DSCT.
Promoted to Flag Rank in 2018, he served as Assistant Controller of Carrier Projects and Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. He later commanded the Western Fleet in 2021 and subsequently served as Commandant of the National Defence Academy, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing training standards and infrastructure.
On May 25, 2024, he assumed charge as Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, during a period marked by heightened security challenges in the Western Maritime Theatre. He directed high-tempo operations and led the Command’s responses to conventional and non-traditional threats, including during Operation Sindoor. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).
Before taking over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kochhar served as Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, where he was instrumental in strengthening jointness and operational coordination among the three Armed Services.
His appointment comes at a critical time for India’s maritime security landscape, with the Navy focusing on capability enhancement and joint operational readiness.