Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) on 1 August 2026, taking over one of the Indian Navy’s most important operational and strategic appointments. A highly decorated officer with over 36 years of distinguished service, he succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who superannuated on 31 July 2026 after serving the nation for more than 38 years.
An alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at the Naval Academy, Goa, Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1990. He is a Category ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist, with professional education from the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, Goa.
During his distinguished naval career, Vice Admiral Pramod has held a wide range of operational, command, instructional and staff appointments at sea and ashore. His afloat appointments include serving as the Executive Officer of the guided missile destroyer INS Rajput, and commanding INS Abhay, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel, INS Shardul, a Landing Ship Tank (Large), and the stealth guided missile frigate INS Satpura. These appointments provided him extensive experience in fleet operations, amphibious warfare and maritime combat.
The Flag Officer also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard following the Galwan Valley crisis, contributing significantly to the Indian Navy’s operational readiness during a period of heightened security along India’s northern borders. Earlier in his career, he actively participated in Operation Vijay during the 1999 Kargil conflict and Operation Parakram in 2001, gaining valuable operational experience in two major military deployments.
His shore appointments have been equally significant. Vice Admiral Pramod commanded INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station at Sri Vijaya Puram, and served as a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, where he mentored future military leaders. At Naval Headquarters, he held several key appointments, including Joint Director Naval Air Staff, Director Aircraft Acquisition and Principal Director Aircraft Acquisition, playing an important role in strengthening the Indian Navy’s aviation capabilities.
He also served as a member of the Tactical Audit Group between 2006 and 2009 and the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019, contributing to operational planning, force development and maritime strategy.
Following his promotion to Rear Admiral, he served as Deputy Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) and later as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA), where he oversaw key operational and administrative responsibilities on India’s western coast.
On his elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral, he assumed the appointment of Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) in December 2023. During his tenure, he played a central role in planning, preparedness and maintaining the Indian Navy’s operational readiness during Operation Sindoor, coordinating maritime deployments and ensuring naval preparedness in support of India’s broader national security objectives. He was also closely involved in directing maritime security operations amid the continuing West Asia crisis, safeguarding India’s strategic interests and ensuring the security of vital sea lines of communication.
In recognition of his distinguished service, operational leadership and contribution to national security, Vice Admiral Pramod was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2024 and the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in 2025.
As the new Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod will be responsible for overseeing operational planning, force modernisation, capability development and strategic policy at Naval Headquarters. His extensive operational experience, combined with expertise in naval aviation, maritime operations and electronic warfare, places him in a strong position to support the Indian Navy’s ongoing transformation into a technologically advanced and future-ready maritime force.
His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Navy continues to expand its blue-water capabilities, strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and enhance maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. With his proven operational leadership and strategic vision, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of India’s maritime power.
