VICE ADMIRAL AN PRAMOD, AVSM, YSM, ASSUMES CHARGE AS DEPUTY - 1st August 2026 - Ministry of Defence - Gazette Notification PDF

Executive Summary Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM, officially assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on 01 August 2026. He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who retired from service on 31 July 2026 after a 38-year career. The transition follows Vice Admiral Pramod's extensive 36-year career, most recently serving as the Director General Naval Operations.

Key Points / Main Content

New Appointment and Succession

• Vice Admiral AN Pramod took charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on 01 August 2026.
• He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who superannuated on 31 July 2026.

Educational Background and Specializations

• Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1990 as an alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course.
• Qualified as a CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist.
• Alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington) and the Naval War College (Goa).

Command and Afloat Experience

• Commanded multiple vessels including INS Abhay (Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel), INS Shardul (Landing Ship Tank), and INS Satpura (Guided Missile Frigate).
• Served as Executive Officer of the guided-missile destroyer INS Rajput.
• Held the position of Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard.

Operational Participation and Leadership

• Participated in major operations including Operation Vijay (1999) and Operation Parakram (2001).
• Served as Director General Naval Operations from December 2023 to July 2026, overseeing Operation Sindoor and West Asia maritime security operations.
• Previous high-level appointments include Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.

Strategic and Staff Appointments

• Member of the Tactical Audit Group (2006–2009) and the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (2016–2019).
• Held shore-based roles as Commander of INS Utkrosh and Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College.

Awards and Honors

• Recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024) and the Yudh Seva Medal (2025) for distinguished service and operational leadership.

Impact Analysis

Vice Admiral AN Pramod Impact He is elevated to a primary leadership position within the Indian Navy, becoming responsible for high-level naval staff functions. Action Required Assumed official charge of the office on 01 August 2026 to begin directing departmental operations.

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti Impact Completed a distinguished 38-year naval career, concluding his tenure as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Action Required Superannuated from active service effective 31 July 2026.

Indian Navy / Naval Headquarters Impact The appointment ensures a leadership transition in strategic planning and operational readiness. Action Required Integration of the new Deputy Chief into the current planning frameworks for maritime security and ongoing operations.