REAR ADMIRAL VIDHYADHAR HARKE, VSM, ASSUMES COMMAND OF MAHARASHTRA NAVAL - 1st August 2026 - Ministry of Defence - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Defence
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1st August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
On July 31, 2026, Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke, VSM, assumed command of the Maharashtra Naval Area, taking over the position from Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM.
Officer Profile and Background Rear Admiral Harke was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1993. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; and the Naval War College, Goa. His professional history includes several key afloat and shore appointments:
- Command Appointments: He commanded the Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa and served as the commissioning Commanding Officer of the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
- Flag Rank Experience: Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) for the Western Naval Command in Mumbai and as the Flag Officer Sea Training at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
Responsibilities and Mandate Operating under the aegis of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Harke is tasked with overseeing:
- Local naval defense operations and coastal security for the state of Maharashtra.
- Administrative functions and infrastructure projects.
- Community engagement and outreach activities.
- Coordination with sister services, the Indian Coast Guard, and state civil administration.
Administrative Details
- Release Date: August 1, 2026
- Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Mumbai
- Release ID: 2293089
- Contact Information: pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
- Social Media: @PIBMumbai (Twitter/X), /PIBMumbai (Facebook/YouTube), /pibmumbai (Instagram/Koo)
- Credits: Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor