In a prestigious change of guard, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has officially taken charge as the new Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, succeeding Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM. The ceremonial handover marked a significant transition at Asia’s largest naval training institution.
Who Is Vice Admiral Manish Chadha?
A highly decorated naval officer with over three decades of service, Vice Admiral Chadha is a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, trained at the National Defense University, USA, and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is an alumnus of the 78th NDA course and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991.
Highlights of His Naval Career
Ship Commands and Operational Expertise
- ICGS-05: Early command in Coast Guard operations.
- INS Veer & INS Kirpan: Commanded missile corvettes, demonstrating tactical acumen.
- INS Mysore (D60): Led a frontline guided missile destroyer.
- INS Talwar (F40): Served as Executive Officer.
Strategic Staff Roles
- Director, Project Amber & Rukmani: Spearheaded naval communication upgrades.
- Naval Attaché to Russia: Enhanced Indo-Russian naval cooperation.
- Director, International Fleet Review 2016: Orchestrated one of India’s grandest naval displays.
Leadership at Flag Rank
Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat & Maharashtra Naval Areas
- FOGNA (2021–2022): Oversaw operations in Gujarat and Union Territories.
- FOMA (2023–2025): Led Maharashtra Naval Area, including Mumbai-based naval assets.
Personnel & HR Development
- Served twice at Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Personnel:
- Admin & Civilian Personnel
- Human Resource Development – directly aligning with his new INA role.
Awards and Decorations
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2025
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – 2017
These awards reflect his outstanding contributions to India’s maritime strength.
About the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Located in Kerala’s Kannur district, spread over 2,452 acres, with 7 km of beachfront.
- Commissioned in 2009, inaugurated by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Trains officers for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies.
- Awarded the President’s Colour in 2019, the highest military honour for an institution.
Legacy of Predecessor – Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair
Vice Admiral Praveen Nair served as INA Commandant from August 2024 to July 2025. His tenure was marked by infrastructure upgrades, curriculum innovation, and international outreach. He now serves as Controller Personnel Services (CPS) at Naval HQ.
Vision Under Vice Admiral Manish Chadha
Focus Areas:
- Modernized Naval Education: Integrating electronic warfare and digital technologies.
- International Collaboration: Strengthening training ties with foreign naval forces.
- Leadership Training: Elevating INA’s role as a global center for naval excellence.
Conclusion
With his vast operational experience, strategic insight, and HR leadership, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha is well-positioned to steer the Indian Naval Academy into a new era. His appointment signals continuity, modernization, and global outreach in India’s naval education and officer development programs.
