Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, AVSM, has been appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) with effect from June 1, 2026.
As Commander-in-Chief of India’s only integrated tri-services command, Vice Adm McCarty will be responsible for the overall development and operational management of strategic military assets across the Andaman and Nicobar island chain, including the strategically significant Great Nicobar Island (GNI).
A specialist in Gunnery and Missiles, the Flag Officer has had a distinguished career in the Indian Navy since his commissioning in 1989. He has commanded several frontline warships including INS Shivalik, INS Khanjar, and INS Ajay.
Vice Adm McCarty has also held important staff and leadership appointments, including Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Staff Requirements), Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, and most recently Controller Personnel Services.
His appointment comes at a time when the Andaman and Nicobar Command is gaining increasing strategic importance amid evolving maritime security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. The command plays a crucial role in enhancing India’s operational reach, surveillance capability, and joint force integration across the Indian Ocean Region.
The leadership transition is expected to further strengthen India’s maritime posture and accelerate strategic infrastructure development across the island territories.
