Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan officially took charge as the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy on Friday. He succeeded Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who has been appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. Vice Admiral Swaminathan took over the new role on Thursday, replacing Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh.
Background and Early Life
A native of Hiranagar, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Vice Admiral Vatsayan comes from a family with a strong military background, representing the second generation to serve in the armed forces.
Operational Roles and Sea Commands
Vice Admiral Vatsayan is a specialist in gunnery and missile systems and has held several key command and operational positions during his career. At sea, he served aboard several frontline warships and was part of the commissioning crew of INS Mysore.
He has commanded multiple vessels, including the Coast Guard ship C-05, and Navy warships INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, and INS Kuthar. He was also the first commanding officer of the stealth frigate INS Sahyadri.
Key Leadership Positions
In February 2020, he assumed command of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet as Flag Officer Commanding, overseeing key operational deployments and naval exercises during a period of increased maritime activity following the Galwan Valley clash with China.
He has also served in staff roles ashore, including as Principal Director Naval Plans and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff. Additionally, he was the Deputy Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
Training and Education
Vice Admiral Vatsayan is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Naval War College, Goa; and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Previous Appointment
Before assuming his current position, he was serving as the Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), overseeing joint military planning and coordination.
Tribute at National War Memorial
After taking charge, Vice Admiral Vatsayan paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. A Guard of Honour was presented outside the South Block in recognition of his new appointment.
