Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on 3 August 2026, taking over one of the Indian Navy’s most critical operational appointments.
An alumnus of the 78th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Chadha was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1991. A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he is also an alumnus of the 61st Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and has completed the Higher Command Course at the National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA.
During a distinguished naval career spanning over 35 years, Vice Admiral Chadha has held a diverse range of command, operational, instructional, and staff appointments across afloat and shore establishments. His sea commands include the Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat CGS-05 and the Indian Naval Ships Veer, Kirpan, and Mysore, reflecting extensive operational experience across multiple classes of frontline platforms.
His overseas assignment as the Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow further strengthened India’s maritime defence engagement with strategic partners. At Naval Headquarters, he played a key role in advancing critical communication capabilities, overseeing projects related to Very Low Frequency (VLF) and satellite communications. He also served as the Director of the International Fleet Review 2016, contributing to one of the Indian Navy’s flagship international maritime events.
Following his promotion to Flag Rank, Vice Admiral Chadha held several important leadership appointments, including Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, Assistant Chief of Personnel (Administration and Civilian), Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area, and Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development).
Prior to assuming his new responsibilities as Director General Naval Operations, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, where he was entrusted with shaping the next generation of naval officers and strengthening professional military education and leadership development.
In recognition of his exemplary service to the nation, Vice Admiral Chadha was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2025.
As the new Director General Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Chadha will oversee the Indian Navy’s operational planning, maritime security initiatives, and strategic deployment of naval assets, reinforcing the service’s operational preparedness across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
