Who is VAdm A.N. Pramod, the Indian Navy's new Deputy Chief?
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, a highly decorated Flag Officer with extensive operational experience, has taken charge as the new Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, succeeding Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod has taken over as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished naval career. Previously serving as Director General Naval Operations, he was instrumental in planning and maintaining operational readiness during significant events, including Operation Sindoor and the West Asia maritime security operations
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod has taken over as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished naval career. Previously serving as Director General Naval Operations, he was instrumental in planning and maintaining operational readiness during significant events, including Operation Sindoor and the West Asia maritime security operations
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod has taken over as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished naval career. Previously serving as Director General Naval Operations, he was instrumental in planning and maintaining operational readiness during significant events, including Operation Sindoor and the West Asia maritime security operations
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, AVSM, YSM, who has held a wide range of command, operational, instructional, and staff appointments, both afloat and ashore, assumed office as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on Saturday. He takes over the office from Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who superannuated on July 31, after 38 years of service.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, he was Director General Naval Operations. As DGNO, he was closely involved in the planning, preparedness, and operational readiness of Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor and conduct of maritime security operations during the ongoing West Asia crisis.
A CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist, Vice Admiral Pramod is an alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course, Naval Academy, Goa; Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, Goa.
He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990.
According to a defence ministry release, his key afloat appointments include Executive Officer of guided missile destroyer INS Rajput, commanded anti-submarine warfare patrol vessel INS Abhay, landing ship tank (large) INS Shardul and guided missile frigate INS Satpura.
Vice Admiral Pramod also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, following the Galwan incident. The Flag Officer participated in Operation Vijay in 1999 and Operation Parakram in 2001.
Ashore, he commanded INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station at Sri Vijaya Puram, and served as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
His key appointments at Naval Headquarters include Joint Director Naval Air Staff, Director and Principal Director Aircraft Acquisition.
He was also a member of the Tactical Audit Group from 2006 to 2009 and the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019.
On promotion to Rear Admiral, he tenanted the appointments of Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.
In recognition of his distinguished service and operational leadership, the Flag Officer was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.