Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan assumed charge as Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command (SNC) from Upal Kundu on January 26, 2026.
An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, Rear Admiral Gopalan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1993. A Navigation and Direction Specialist, he brings with him nearly three decades of rich operational and leadership experience.
During his career, the Flag Officer has commanded several frontline and key naval platforms, including TRV-72, INS Kora, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai.
His notable staff and operational appointments include serving as Defence Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and as Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College.
Prior to assuming his present appointment, Rear Admiral Gopalan served as Deputy Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, contributing significantly to officer training and professional development.
His assumption of charge as Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, marks an important milestone and is expected to further strengthen the Command’s focus on training excellence, operational readiness, and maritime security.
