President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) on Vice Admiral (now Admiral) Krishna Swaminathan during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 29 June 2026, recognising his distinguished service of the most exceptional order to the nation.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan currently serves as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), having assumed office on 31 May 2026. Prior to his appointment as Navy Chief, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and the 46th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, besides holding several key operational and staff appointments during his distinguished naval career.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Bijapur and the National Defence Academy, Admiral Swaminathan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1987. A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he has undergone professional military education at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, United Kingdom, the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the Naval War College, Newport, United States.
During a career spanning nearly four decades, Admiral Swaminathan has commanded several frontline warships, including INS Vidyut, INS Vinash, INS Kulish, INS Mysore, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, becoming only its second Commanding Officer. Under his command, INS Vikramaditya was adjudged the Best Ship of the Western Fleet.
As a Flag Officer, he has held several important appointments, including Chief Staff Officer (Training), Southern Naval Command, Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Controller of Personnel Services, and Chief of Personnel. His leadership has significantly contributed to operational readiness, naval training, personnel management and maritime capability development.
The President’s award recognises Admiral Swaminathan’s outstanding contribution to strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness, maritime security, force modernisation and strategic capability. Under his leadership, the Navy continues to advance indigenous capability development, enhance jointness among the armed forces and safeguard India’s maritime interests across the Indo-Pacific.
Admiral Swaminathan has previously been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). The conferment of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal marks another significant milestone in his illustrious naval career and acknowledges his exceptional service and leadership at the highest level of the Indian Navy.
