Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS)

CURRENT CONTEXT : On 1 August 2025, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan became the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

• He replaced Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who is now the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, the most active operational command of the Indian Navy.

ABOUT VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY VATSAYAN

• Personal Background
  • Origin: Hiranagar, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh).
  • Comes from a military family (second generation in armed forces).
• Career Highlights
  • Joined Indian Navy on 1 January 1988.
  • Specialised in Gunnery and Missile Systems.
  • Served on warships like INS Mysore.
  • Commanded INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, and INS Sahyadri.
  • Was Eastern Fleet Commander during post-Galwan operations in 2020.