On August 1, 2025, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha assumed the prestigious position of Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), succeeding Vice Admiral C. R. Praveen Nair. His appointment marks a significant milestone in his distinguished naval career, and brings with it deep experience in both operational command and strategic leadership.
Naval Career Highlights
Vice Admiral Chadha’s service in the Indian Navy spans over three decades. Commissioned on 1 July 1991, he specialized in Communications and Electronic Warfare, and attended renowned institutions including the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.
Over the years, Chadha held critical appointments:
- He commanded the Indian Coast Guard interceptor vessel ICGS‑05 and a Khukri-class corvette, and served as executive officer aboard a stealth guided-missile frigate, before commanding the Delhi-class destroyer.
- In staff roles, he served as Director Project Amber (VLF) and Rukmani (communication satellite), and led the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam in 2016.
His rise to flag rank came on 6 December 2021, when he became Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area (FOGNA). He served in that capacity until November 2022, before moving to Naval Headquarters as Assistant Chief of Personnel (Administration & Civilian).
On 10 November 2023, Chadha took over as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA) from Rear Admiral A. N. Pramod, overseeing the naval defence and administration of all units in Maharashtra.
Appointment as Commandant, INA
The position of Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, based at Ezhimala in Kerala, is a three-star rank post (Vice Admiral) that heads Asia’s largest naval training institution.
The previous Commandant, Vice Admiral C. R. Praveen Nair, took office on 29 August 2024, succeeding Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty. Chadha’s succession in August 2025 represents continuity in leadership at INA, which handles academic and physical training for officer cadets of both the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
Educational and Leadership Credentials
- Chadha’s specialized training in communications and electronic warfare reflects a technical depth essential in modern naval strategy.
- His leadership across major naval commands—Gujarat and Maharashtra—demonstrates his operational competence and ability to oversee multifaceted naval installations.
He has been decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2017, acknowledging his distinguished service.
What This Appointment Means for INA
Vice Admiral Chadha brings a blend of technical expertise, counterpart command experience, and strategic initiative to the helm of INA. His arrival is timely as the academy prepares to scale its cadet intake (currently about 1,200 per year) and modernize training in alignment with global maritime requirements.
Under his leadership, INA may continue strengthening
- Academic rigour in naval science, engineering, and warfare studies,
- Physical and tactical training excellence, and
- International engagement, as seen in events like the 2016 International Fleet Review he once directed.
Evidence‑Based Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Commission & Specialization | Commissioned 1991; specialized in Communication & Electronic Warfare |
| Key Commands | GOC Maharashtra Naval Area from Nov 2023, previously FOGNA Dec 2021 – Nov 2022 |
| Flag Rank & Promotions | Promoted flag rank Dec 2021; later served at NHQ in ACOP role |
| INA Commandant Transition | Succeeded Vice Admiral C. R. Praveen Nair (who took over Aug 2024) as Commandant INA in August 2025 |
Vice Admiral Manish Chadha’s appointment as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy is a pivotal development in India’s naval leadership. His elevation from operational commands to one of the Navy’s core training nodes highlights the trust placed in his strategic vision, educational acumen, and command experience. As INA continues to shape India’s future naval officers, Chadha’s leadership ushers in a phase of renewed focus on integrated, modern naval education and training.
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