: In a formal ceremony steeped in naval tradition, Commodore S Parthiban assumed charge as the new Commanding Officer of INS Shivaji, the Indian Navy’s flagship marine engineering training establishment. The ceremonial handover parade, held at the picturesque hill station base in Lonavala, marked the conclusion of Commodore Sameer Chaudhry’s distinguished tenure.
The transition ceremony featured a disciplined parade of naval personnel in immaculate white uniforms, reflecting the ethos and operational readiness of the Indian Navy.
Commissioned in 1945 as a replacement for the Stokers’ Training School in Mumbai, INS Shivaji has grown into a modern institution spread across 876 acres. It now houses world-class facilities including the Centre of Marine Engineering and Technology and the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence School, making it central to India’s maritime preparedness.
The leadership change comes at a crucial time as India strengthens its naval posture amid evolving regional security dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. A RAND Corporation analysis highlights the strategic significance of Indian naval institutions in countering the growing maritime footprint of China.
INS Shivaji has also emerged as a symbol of inclusivity and transformation within the armed forces. Since 1992, it has welcomed women into its training programs, a milestone in the Indian Navy’s journey toward gender integration. A Navy report emphasized how this inclusion has contributed to operational efficiency and force diversity.
Commodore Parthiban’s appointment is seen as a forward-looking move to further strengthen the training infrastructure and align it with emerging naval challenges. His leadership is expected to drive innovation and preparedness, reaffirming INS Shivaji’s status as a cornerstone of India’s naval training ecosystem.
