Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, PVSM, AVSM, NM, presently serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) with effect from June 1, 2026.
A highly respected and experienced Flag Officer, Vice Adm Kochhar is widely regarded as a thorough professional with extensive operational, strategic, and leadership experience across multiple domains of naval operations and joint services command.
Over the course of his distinguished career in the Indian Navy, he has held several key appointments, including Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, and senior roles related to aircraft carrier projects and warship production.
As Commander-in-Chief of ANC, India’s only integrated tri-services command, Vice Adm Kochhar played an important role in strengthening joint operational capability and enhancing India’s strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region.
His appointment as VCNS is expected to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness, modernisation efforts, and strategic vision amid evolving maritime security challenges.
