Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, PVSM, AVSM, NM, relinquished command of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) on May 25, 2026.
Marking the occasion, the Flag Officer laid a wreath at Military Station Brichgunj and reviewed an Inter-Service Guard of Honour at INS Utkrosh.
During his tenure, Vice Admiral Kochhar played a key role in enhancing operational preparedness, infrastructure development, and strengthening jointmanship among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard.
Officials noted that his leadership further reinforced the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command as India’s only Tri-Service Operational Command, responsible for safeguarding key maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Vice Admiral Kochhar will now assume the prestigious appointment of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, one of the senior-most positions in the Indian Navy leadership structure.
