Vice Admiral Vivek Dahiya, NM, assumed charge as the Director General Project Seabird (DGPS) on 1 August 2026, taking over one of the Indian Navy’s most significant infrastructure and maritime development initiatives.
An alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC), Shrivenham, United Kingdom, and the Naval War College, Goa, Vice Admiral Dahiya brings extensive operational, command and strategic experience to his new appointment.
During his distinguished naval career, the Flag Officer has held several important command and staff appointments both afloat and ashore. His sea commands include the Kora-class missile corvette INS Karmuk and the Kolkata-class guided missile destroyer INS Chennai, where he demonstrated exceptional operational leadership across a range of maritime missions.
Following his promotion to Flag Rank, Vice Admiral Dahiya served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Staff Requirements) at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, where he played an important role in capability planning and force development. Prior to assuming charge as Director General Project Seabird, he commanded the Western Fleet, the Indian Navy’s premier combat fleet based in Mumbai, overseeing frontline operational deployments and maritime security missions.
As Director General Project Seabird, Vice Admiral Dahiya will lead the execution and expansion of one of India’s largest naval infrastructure projects, centred on the development of the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka. Project Seabird is a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s long-term maritime strategy, aimed at creating a world-class naval base capable of supporting aircraft carriers, submarines, frontline warships and advanced logistics facilities.
The project plays a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and readiness in the Indian Ocean Region while reducing congestion at existing naval bases. Its continued expansion is expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime security architecture and support future fleet growth.
Vice Admiral Vivek Dahiya’s appointment reflects the Indian Navy’s emphasis on experienced operational leadership to steer one of its most ambitious infrastructure programmes. His extensive command experience and strategic expertise are expected to further accelerate the development of Project Seabird, reinforcing India’s vision of building a modern, self-reliant and future-ready maritime force.
