Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on 3 August 2026, taking over one of the Indian Navy’s most critical operational appointments responsible for planning, directing and overseeing maritime operations.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1991, Vice Admiral Chadha is a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist with over 35 years of distinguished service, during which he has held a wide range of command, operational and staff appointments across the Navy.
Throughout his career, the Flag Officer has commanded several frontline naval platforms, including Coast Guard Ship CGS-05, INS Veer, INS Kirpan, and the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore. His sea commands have provided him with extensive experience in maritime operations, fleet leadership and combat readiness.
In addition to his operational assignments, Vice Admiral Chadha has held several key shore appointments. He served as the Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow, strengthening bilateral naval and defence cooperation with Russia. He also commanded the Maharashtra Naval Area and the Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, overseeing coastal security, naval infrastructure and operational preparedness in strategically significant maritime regions.
Prior to assuming charge as DGNO, Vice Admiral Chadha served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, where he was responsible for shaping the next generation of Indian Naval officers through professional military education, leadership development and operational training.
As the Director General Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Chadha will oversee the Indian Navy’s operational planning, maritime security missions, fleet deployments and strategic naval operations. The appointment places him at the centre of the Navy’s efforts to safeguard India’s maritime interests, maintain security across the Indian Ocean Region and enhance readiness to respond to evolving regional and global challenges.
His appointment reflects the Indian Navy’s continued emphasis on experienced operational leadership at the highest levels as it modernises its force structure and expands its operational footprint across the Indo-Pacific. With extensive command experience at sea and ashore, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Navy’s operational preparedness and advancing India’s maritime security objectives.
