New Delhi: Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on August 3, 2026, bringing more than three decades of operational, command and strategic experience to one of the Indian Navy’s most important appointments. A specialist in communication and electronic warfare, he has served in a wide range of command, instructional, diplomatic and staff roles during his distinguished naval career.
Over Three Decades of Naval Service
An alumnus of the 78th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Chadha was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991.
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He has also completed the 61st Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington. In addition, he attended the Higher Command Course at the National Defence University, Washington, USA.
Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he has held several command, operational, instructional and staff appointments, both afloat and ashore.
Commanded Several Naval Ships
Vice Admiral Chadha has commanded several naval platforms during his career, including:
- Coast Guard Interceptor Boat CGS-05
- INS Veer
- INS Kirpan
- INS Mysore
These assignments provided him with extensive operational experience across different maritime roles.
Held Key Strategic and Diplomatic Assignments
Apart from operational commands, Vice Admiral Chadha served as the Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow, strengthening defence and maritime engagement.
At Naval Headquarters, he oversaw several important projects related to Very Low Frequency (VLF) and satellite communications. He also served as the Director of the International Fleet Review 2016, coordinating one of the Indian Navy’s major international maritime events.
Leadership Roles After Promotion to Flag Rank
Following his promotion to Flag Rank, Vice Admiral Chadha held several senior leadership appointments, including:
- Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area
- Assistant Chief of Personnel (Administration and Civilian)
- Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area
- Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development)
Upon his elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral, he was appointed Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, where he was responsible for “Shaping Future Naval Leadership.”
Awarded for Distinguished Service
In recognition of his outstanding 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.
His appointment as Director General Naval Operations marks another significant milestone in a distinguished naval career spanning more than three decades.
About Vice Admiral Manish Chadha
Vice Admiral Manish Chadha is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington) and the National Defense University (Washington, D.C., USA).
At Naval Headquarters, he served in the Directorate of Naval Signals, where he headed Project Amber (VLF) and Project Rukmani, the Indian Navy’s naval communication satellite project. He also served as the Director of the International Fleet Review 2016, a Presidential Fleet Review held in Visakhapatnam with participation from navies across the world.
