In a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces and military medicine, five serving Surgeon Vice Admirals of the Indian Navy came together in a single frame for the first time in the Service’s history. The unprecedented gathering marks a significant milestone, reflecting the growing strength, leadership and expertise of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) within the Indian Navy and the wider defence establishment.
The historic photograph brings together some of the country’s most distinguished senior medical officers, each holding key appointments responsible for shaping healthcare, medical policy and operational medical support across the Armed Forces.
The five senior officers featured in the historic moment are:
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande, AVSM, VSM, Director General (Organisation & Personnel)
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, NM, Director General Health Services (Armed Forces)
- Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS)
- Surgeon Vice Admiral S. Shankar, Director General Medical Services (Navy)
- Surgeon Vice Admiral K.M. Adhikari, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical)
Collectively, these officers represent decades of distinguished service, operational experience and leadership in military healthcare. Their responsibilities span strategic medical planning, healthcare administration, operational medical support, personnel management, medical education and the continued modernisation of healthcare services for the Armed Forces.
The presence of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) further highlights the growing role of military medicine in strengthening India’s defence preparedness. Under the leadership of these senior officers, the Armed Forces Medical Services continue to advance medical capabilities, enhance trauma care, expand specialised healthcare and improve medical support for personnel serving in diverse operational environments.
The gathering also symbolises the close integration of the Armed Forces Medical Services across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Through joint planning, coordinated medical support and continuous innovation, these leaders play a critical role in ensuring that India’s military remains medically prepared for both peacetime responsibilities and operational contingencies.
Beyond their administrative responsibilities, the five Surgeon Vice Admirals represent a legacy of professional excellence, dedication and selfless service. Their collective leadership has contributed significantly to strengthening military healthcare infrastructure, advancing medical research, improving patient care and enhancing operational medical readiness across the Armed Forces.
The coming together of five serving Surgeon Vice Admirals in a single frame stands as a historic first in the annals of the Indian Navy. It is a powerful reflection of the professionalism, experience and excellence that define India’s military medical fraternity, inspiring future generations of military doctors and reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to providing world-class medical care to those who serve the nation.
