Vice Admiral AN Pramod Takes Charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff
Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM, has officially assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in the Indian Navy as of August 1, 2026. With a commendable career that spans over 36 years, he has a rich background in command, operational, instructional, and staff positions both at sea and on land.
An alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at the Naval Academy in Goa, Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned on July 1, 1990. He is recognized as a qualified CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His education also includes training at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College in Goa.
Impressive Career Progression
Throughout his distinguished service, Vice Admiral Pramod has held significant roles aboard various ships of the Indian Navy. He served as the Executive Officer on INS Rajput, a Guided Missile Destroyer, before taking command of several vessels, including INS Abhay, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel, and INS Satpura, a Guided Missile Frigate. Notably, he was the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, which was initiated after the Galwan incident. He also participated in major operations such as Operation Vijay in 1999 and Operation Parakram in 2001.
Leadership Ashore
On land, Vice Admiral Pramod commanded INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station located at Sri Vijaya Puram, and contributed as a Directing Staff member at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. His roles at Naval Headquarters included serving as the Joint Director of Naval Air Staff and taking on responsibilities as the Director and Principal Director of Aircraft Acquisition. His strategic insights were further recognized through involvement with the Tactical Audit Group from 2006 to 2009 and as a member of the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019.
Recent Appointments and Achievements
Upon his promotion to Rear Admiral, he served as the Deputy Commandant at the Indian Naval Academy and as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Air Operations, culminating in his recent role as Director General of Naval Operations (DGNO) from December 13, 2023, to July 31, 2026. During his tenure as DGNO, he played an integral role in planning and maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Navy, especially during Operation Sindoor and maritime security operations amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Vice Admiral Pramod’s exemplary service has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.
He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who completed over 38 years of distinguished service and retired on July 31, 2026.
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