INDIAN NAVY SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP (INSC) – 2024

The Indian Navy’s most awaited and the largest sailing regatta, the Indian Navy Sailing Championship (INSC), is set to take place at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala from 16 Oct to 19 Oct 24.

The Marakkar Watermanship Training Centre (MWTC) at INA, one of the finest sailing facilities in the country, is gearing up to host more than 100 participants of the Indian Navy who will test their sailing skills in five different classes of boats in three different formats of racing.

INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TABAR REACHES ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

As part of her ongoing deployment to Africa and Europe, Indian Navy's frontline frigate, INS Tabar, arrived at the historic port city of Alexandria, Egypt for a goodwill visit from 27 to 30 Jun 24.

India and Egypt have enjoyed a rich legacy of cultural relations and economic ties for several centuries. These bonds have continued to grow stronger in modern times and in recent years, bilateral relations between both countries have expanded across various sectors, including defence and maritime cooperation. The visit of Indian Naval Ship Tabar to Alexandria is intended to reaffirm India's commitment to deepening the bilateral ties with Egypt as also enhancing various aspects of maritime security.

INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SHIVALIK DEPARTS SINGAPORE

 NDIAN NAVAL SHIP SHIVALIK DEPARTS SINGAPOREWill participate in JIMEX 24 and RIMPAC 24

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INS Shivalik, mission deployed to the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, departed Singapore on 30 May 24 for onward passage to Yokosuka, Japan.

During the ship's OTR at Singapore, various activities were undertaken which included Call on with Base Commander, Changi Naval Base, Wreath Laying at Kranji War Memorial, Call on with High Commissioner of India to Singapore, IFC visit, Visit of around 80 school children onboard, Visit of Indian and Australian High Commissioner onboard and cross-deck visits to USS Mobile (LCS) reflecting maritime relations and shared values between the navies which is primarily under the ambit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023

 हिंद महासागर नौसेना संगोष्ठी (आईओएनएस) में नौसेना प्रमुखों के सम्मेलन (सीओसी) का 8वां संस्करण रॉयल थाई नेवी द्वारा 19 से 22 दिसंबर 2023 तक थाईलैंड के बैंकॉक में आयोजित किया गया था। इस कार्यक्रम में 27 सदस्य देशों और पर्यवेक्षक देशों के नौसेना प्रमुखों एवं वरिष्ठ प्रतिनिधियों ने भाग लिया। भारतीय नौसेना स्टाफ के प्रमुख एडमिरल आर हरि कुमार द्वारा तीन सदस्यीय प्रतिनिधिमंडल के साथ इस कार्यक्रम में भारत का नेतृत्व किया गया।

(https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1988673)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (INDIAN NAVY) - YEAR END REVIEW 2023

INDIAN NAVY

• Indian Navy  (IN) has constantly strived towards achieving ‘Self-Reliance through Indigenisation’ and synchronised the efforts in tandem with various flagship schemes of the Government viz., ‘Make’, ‘Technology Development Fund’ and ‘Innovation for Defence Excellence’, in addition to procurements under the ‘Revenue’ route. IN has been the torch bearer amongst the three Services to leverage the distinct advantages of Govt schemes and has engaged actively with industry partners including MSMEs and Start-ups, to encourage their active participation in our Indigenisation Programmes.

Passing out Parade for 101st batch of Helicopter training pilots held at INS Rajali, Arakkonam

The Passing out Parade for the 101st batch of Helicopter training pilots was held at INS Rajali, Arakkonam today. Seventeen cadets completed their training and got the golden wings signia from Vice Admiral Samir Saxena. Three cadets won special prizes and awards. Speaking at the valedictory function, Vice Admiral Samir Saxena said that the pilots who undergo training in INS Rajali have been inducted in Indian Navy, Airforce and also Coast Guard. 

DEFENSE - News - CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VISIT TO OMAN

MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICES DAY

INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT STANDBY FOR RESCUE AND RELIEF OPS CYCLONIC STORM ‘GULAB’

CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VISIT TO OMAN 27–29 SEP 21

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF VISITS HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL AIR COMMAND

ICG rescues seven fishermen off coast of Diu in inclement weather

Indian Military Contingent Participates in the 6th Edition of Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021 at Orenburg, Russia

8th edition OF Indian Army Chiefs’ Conclave to commence from 16 September 2021

INDIAN NAVAL PLACEMENT AGENCY AND FLIPKART SIGN MOU TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RESETTLEMENT OF NAVY VETERANS

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addresses 18th India-US Economic Summit through video conferencing

EXERCISE ZAPAD-2021 CULMINATES AT NOVGOROD, RUSSIA

India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside every DefExpo

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF GEN MM NARAVANE VISITS MUMBAI

Press Statement of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh after ‘2+2’ Ministerial Dialogue between India & Australia

CURTAIN RAISER INDIAN ARMY TO PARTICIPATE IN MULTI-LATERAL EXERCISE ZAPAD 2021 IN RUSSIA

OPENING CEREMONY INDO – KAZAKHSTAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE KAZIND-21

PRESIDENT’S COLOUR TO BE AWARDED TO NAVAL AVIATION ON 06 SEP 2021

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh delivers keynote address at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington

Indian Navy participates in Naval Exercise Malabar

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to commission indigenously built Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha on Saturday

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt meets family of Subedar Ram Singh who got killed in action in Jammu & Kashmi

Webinar between India & Malaysia on ‘Indian Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership’

Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame at Air Force Station, Car Nicobar

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to launch Defence India Startup Challenge 5.0

INDIAN NAVY UNDERTAKES BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE WITH VIETNAM PEOPLE’S NAVY

‘JOINT GUIDANCE FOR THE AUSTRALIA – INDIA NAVY TO NAVY RELATIONSHIP’ SIGNED BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY & AUSTRALIAN NAVY

COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE, SOUTH WESTERN AIR COMMAND GANDHINAGAR

INDIAN ARMY SPONSORS HIGHER EDUCATION IN ARMY-RUN RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS TO YOUTH FROM JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flags-in climb-a-thon organised as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’

‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations at Andaman & Nicobar Command

Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme

INS TABAR EXERCISES WITH ITALIAN NAVY OFF NAPLES, ITALY

World's first solo motorcycle expedition in Northern Himalayan passes culminates

CINCAN visits Amphibian Brigade

ENTRIES INVITED FOR INDIAN ARMY'S ONLINE PAINTING COMPETITIONFOR SWARNIM VIJAY VARSH CELEBRATIONS

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF PROCEEDS ON A VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITALY
AIR MARSHAL VIVEK RAM CHAUDHARI PVSM AVSM VM ASSUMES CHARGE AS VICE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
VICE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF VISITS FORWARD AREAS IN NORTHERN COMMAND
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds virtual interaction with his Vietnamese counterpart;
7th INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS)
Indian Coast Guard rescues seven fishermen off Tillanchong Island

INS TABAR VISITS ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

CAS VISIT TO BANGLADESH

MOU BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND M/s BEL FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION FORUM (TIF)

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF VISITS FORWARD AREAS IN CENTRAL SECTOR AND HQ WESTERN COMMAND OF INDIAN ARMY New Delhi: Asadha 08, 1943

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Webinar on Atal Tunnel; Says spirit of national pride is of paramount importance for building such great structures

INDIAN NAVY TO COORDINATE SECOND EDITION OF LARGEST COASTAL DEFENCE EXERCISE – SEA VIGIL 21

MoD conducts online quiz competition on “1971 Bangladesh Liberation War”

IAF Academic Collobaration with IDSR, Gujarat University MoU Signed on29 Dec 20

Government will ensure best of weapons and protective armours to our soldiers: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik

DRDO Celebrates Foundation Day

Successful completion of 43 Indian Navy officers including seven Coast Guard officers of the 84th batch of Marine Engineering Specialization Course

माननीय रक्षा मंत्री ने ‘नाविका सागर परिक्रमा’ को झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया ।

माननीय रक्षा मंत्री श्रीमती निर्मला सीतारमण ने आज )10 सितम्‍बर) दोपहर 1 बजे गोवा से भारतीय नौ सेना के पोत वाहक जहाज तरिणी (आईएनएसवी तरणी) को झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया। गोवा के आईएनएस मंडोवी नौका पूल से रवाना किए गए इस पोत की विशेषता यह है कि इसमें सभी महिला क्रू शामिल है। पहली बार भारतीय नौसेना के पोत वाहक जहाज आईएनएसवी तरिणी पूरे संसार की जल यात्रा के लिए चालक दल की सभी महिला सदस्‍यों के नेतृत्‍व में निकला है। समुद्री यात्रा की समाप्‍ति पर इस जहाज के अप्रैल, 2018 में वापस गोवा लौटने की आशा है। यह अभियान पांच चरणों में पूरा होगा। यह आस्‍ट्रेलिया के फ्रीमेनटेली, न्‍यूजीलैंड लाइटलेटन, पोर्टसिडनी के फॉक्‍ लेंड्स और दक्षिण अफ्रीका के केपटाउन आदि चार बंदरगाहों पर रूकेगा।

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Flags off Navika Sagar Parikrama

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri flagged-off Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini (INSV Tarini) with an all women crew from INS Mandovi boat pool, Goa at 01:00 PM today (10 Sep17). This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew and shall attempt to circumnavigate the globe on Indian Navy’s sailing vessel INSV Tarini. The crew is expected to return to Goa in April 2018, on completion of the voyage. The expedition will be covered in five legs, with stop-overs at 4 ports viz. Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South Africa). 

HIGHLIGHTS - Notification for Implementation of OROP Issued

The Government today issued the notification regarding implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’ in respect of Defence Forces personnel.

Defence Forces of India have a rich history and tradition of bravery and gallantry. Defence forces have not only defend our borders with exemplary courage and valour but have also performed with fearless attitude and empathy in natural calamities and other trying circumstances. Government of India recognizes and respects their contribution.

The issue of One Rank One Pension was a long standing demand. Defence Forces had been demanding it for almost four decades but the issue could not be resolved. However, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had made a commitment to implement it for the welfare of the ex-servicemen. Accordingly the Government had announced modalities for implementation of OROP on 05.09.2015. The Government Order by Ministry of Defence, which could not be issued due to model code of conduct, has been issued today.

Salient features of the OROP as stated in the Order are as follows: 

I. To begin with, pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of pension of retirees of calendar year 2013 and the benefit will be effective with effect from 1.7.2014. 

II. Pension will be re-fixed for all pensioners on the basis of the average of minimum and maximum pension of personnel retiring in 2013 in the same rank and with the same length of service. 

III. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected. 

IV. Arrears will be paid in four equal half yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/Liberalized family pensioners, and Gallantry award winners shall be paid arrears in one instalment. 

V. In future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years.

4. Personnel who opt to get discharged henceforth on their own request under Rule 13(3)1(i)(b),13(3)1(iv) or Rule 16B of the Army Rule 1954 or equivalent Navy or Air Force Rules will not be entitled to the benefits of OROP. It will be effective prospectively.

5. The Govt. has decided to appoint a Judicial Committee to look into anomalies, if any, arising out of implementation of OROP. The Judicial Committee will submit its report in six months. 

6. Detailed instructions along with tables indicating revised pension for each rank and each category, shall be issued separately for updation of pension and payment of arrears directly by Pension Disbursing Agencies. 

The previous Government had made a budget announcement to implement the OROP and made a provision of Rs 500 Crore. The present Government undertook the task earnestly and realized that the actual additional annual expenditure would be eight to ten thousand crore at present and will increase further in future. Notwithstanding the financial constraints, true to its commitment the present Government has issued the Government order to implement the OROP in true spirit.

Captain Krishna Swaminathan takes over Command of Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya

Captain Krishna Swaminathan has assumed charge as the second Commanding Officer of INS Vikramaditya, Indian Navy's new and formidable aircraft carrier today at Karwar. The ship was commissioned at Severodvinsk in Russia on 16 November 2013 and has since been commanded by Captain Suraj Berry, NM. 

Captain Krishna Swaminathan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, United Kingdom, the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja, and the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA. 

Chief of the Naval Staff Bangladesh Navy on a Four Day Official Visit to India बांग्लादेश के नौसेना प्रमुख भारत के चार दिवसीय आधिकारिक दौरे पर

Vice Admiral Muhammad Farid Habib, Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy is on a four day official visit to India from 02-06 November 2015 to review the existing cooperation between both navies and explore future avenues. The Bangladesh Navy Chief was formally received by Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block lawns earlier in the day. Both the Chiefs had discussions on various issues during the day. The visiting dignitary had interactions with DG Coast Guard and senior officials of MoD thereafter. The BN Chief of Naval Staff is also scheduled to visit HQWNC (Mumbai) and Garden Reach Shipyard at Kolkata. 

वाइस एडमिरल करमबीर सिंह, एवीएसएम ने नौसेना स्टाफ (सीसीएनएस) के उपप्रमुख का कार्यभार ग्रहण किया

वाइस एडमिरल करमबीर सिंह, एवीएसएम ने आज 31 अक्टूबर 2015 को नौसेना स्टाफ (सीसीएनएस) के उपप्रमुख का कार्यभार ग्रहण किया। उन्होंने वाइस एडमिरल आर के पटनायक, पीवीएसएम, एवीएसएम, वाईएसएम का स्थान लिया जिन्होंने भारतीय नौसेना में 38 साल की गौरवपूर्ण सेवाएं प्रदान की। 

वाइस एडमिरल करमबीर सिंह, एवीएसएम राष्ट्रीय रक्षा अकादमी खड़कवासला के पूर्वछात्र हैं। जुलाई, 1980 में भारतीय नौसेना से जुड़ने के बाद एडमिरल ने 1982 में हेलीकॉप्टर पायलेट बने और बड़े पैमाने पर चेतक, कमोव 25 व कमोव 28 एंटी सबमरीन वारफेयर हेलीकॉप्टर उड़ाए हैं। उन्होंने डीएसएससी, वेलिंग्टन, कॉलेज ऑफ नेवल वारफेयर, करनजा से स्नातक किया है दोनों ही संस्थानों के निदेशकों द्वारा प्रतिष्ठा अर्जित की है।

आईएनएस सह्याद्री फिलीपींस की राजधानी मनीला पहुंचा

भारतीय नौसेना जहाज आईएनएस सह्याद्री आज फिलीपींस की राजधानी मनीला पहुंचा। आईएनएस सह्याद्री वर्तमान में भारत की ‘पूर्व की ओर देखो’ नीति के तहत दक्षिण चीनी महासागर तथा उत्‍तर-पश्चिम प्रशांत क्षेत्र में संचालनगत तैनाती पर है। इस जहाज के फिलीपींस की नौसेना के साथ व्‍यापक पारस्‍परिक संबंधों को बढ़ावा देने के लिए 04 नवम्‍बर तक मनीला में रहने की उम्‍मीद है। भारत और फिलीपींस के बीच द्वीपक्षीय संबंध उपनिवेशवाद-रोधी, मजबूत लोकतांत्रिक राजनीति एवं दक्षिण-दक्षिण सहयोग के साझा मूल्‍यों पर आधारित है, जो हाल के वर्षों में तेजी से बढ़ा है। आर्थिक एवं सुरक्षा संबंधों दोनों ही वजहों से इसमें तेजी आई है। नियमित विदेश नीति सलाह-मशिवरों एवं सुरक्षा वार्ता बैठकों ने इस द्वीपक्षीय संबंध को और अधिक प्रोत्‍साहन दिया है। 

Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Areas Divided into two Separate Headquarters

RADM S N Ghormade, Takes over as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Area 

With a view to enhance operational and administrative organizational structure, the erstwhile Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area has been divided to make two separate headquarters under Flag Officer Maharashtra Area and Flag Officer Gujarat Naval Area. The division of the Naval Areas was marked by Rear Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade, assuming of charge of Flag Officer Maharashtra Area from Rear Admiral Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar this morning. Rear Admiral Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar will officiate as Flag Officer Gujarat Naval Area. 

Rear Admiral SN Ghormade was commissioned into theIndian Navy on 01 Jan 1984. He is a graduate of National Defence Acedamy (NDA),Khadakwasla, United States Naval Staff Collage at Naval War Collage, Newport,Rhode Island and the Naval War Collage, Mumbai. In addition to a specializationin Navigation and Direction within the Navy, the officer holds a Master Degreein Personnel Management from Symbosis Institute of Business Management(University of Pune), M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Universityof Madras. 

During his career spanning over 31 years, he hasbeen through a myriad of operational and staff appointments. His operationalappointments include commands of the Guided Missile Frigate INS Brahmaputra,Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak, and Minesweeper INS Allepey and secondin Command Guided Missile Frigate INS Ganga. His important staff appointmentsashore include Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development),Principal Director of Personnel, Director Naval Plans and Joint Director NavalPlans at Naval Headquarters as separate assignments, Director (MilitaryAffairs) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Local Work Up Team (West),Instructor at Navigation Direction School and National Defence Academy. Uponpromotion to the Flag Rank in 2012, the officer assumed the appointment ofAssistant Chief of Personnel (HRD) and prior to this held the appointment ofFlag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area. 

The officer is the recipient of the Nau Sena Medal in 2007 by the President of India and Commendation by Chief of Naval Staff in 2000.

Delay in preferment of pension claims in respect of normal discharge PBOR of Army, Navy and Air Force.: PCDA(P) Circular No. 545

THE PR. CONTROLLER OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS (PENSIONS)

DRAUPADI GHAT ALLAHABAD- 211014

Circular No: - 545

Dated: 01/09/2015

To,
The O I/C
Records/PADS (OR)
------------------------

Sub: Delay in preferment of pension claims in respect of normal discharge PBOR of Army, Navy and Air Force.

Ref: This office circular No. 540 dated 11/05/2015.

Under the existing orders, claims for service pension in respect of personnel below officer rank are required to be submitted to the pension sanctioning authority concerned, viz. PCDA (P), Allahabad in respect of Army, PCDA (N), Mumbai in respect of Navy and JCDA (AF), New Delhi in respect of Air Force, at least four months in advance of their retirement from service. This arrangement has been made with a view to ensure that the pensionary awards in respect of the personnel are notified in the PPO well before their discharge/retirement and the pension certificates are handed over to them before they are discharged.

It has been observed that above time schedule is not being adhered to by ROs resulting in delay in finalization of pensionary awards in respect of PBORs. Higher authorities have taken a serious view on the matter.

It is, therefore, requested that time frame for submission of pension claims to this office may strictly be followed in order to avoid delay in finalization of pensionary awards to the retiring personnel. This would definitely help in reducing the CAT/Court cases, interest payment etc at a later stage.

Please acknowledge receipt.

No. Gts/Tech/0148/LIV
Dated: 01.09.2015

Dy.CDA (P)

Source: http://pcdapension.nic.in/6cpc/Circular-545.pdf &staffnews

Press Brief - Admiral Rh Tahiliani (Retd) passes away

Former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani (Retd) passed away today 14 Oct 15, in New Delhi. Born on 12 May 1930, the Admiral was commissioned in the Navy on 01 Sep 50 and served as the 11th Chief of Naval Staff from 01 Dec 84 till 30 Nov 87. A distinguished graduate of the French Test Pilot School and an outstanding pilot, he was the first to land on the deck of INS Vikrant on a Hawker Sea Hawk Fighter on 18 May 61, ushering carrier based aviation into the Indian Navy. The Admiral had commanded the carrier borne squadron INAS 300 during the Indo – Pak war in 1971. His distinguished career included command of INS Trishul and the Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant. The “Greyest of the Grey Eagles” is an apt expression to sum up Admiral Tahiliani’s seminal and vast experience as a stupendous naval aviator. His exemplary vision, catapulted the Naval Air Arm to where it is today. He was instrumental in the procurement of the second aircraft carrier INS Viraat along with its fighter complement of Sea Harrier aircraft. 

In Dec 77, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and appointed as the Flag Officer, Goa Area (FOGA). Later, he was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet (FOCWF). His next appointment was as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Air) at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) which was followed by appointment as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. In Feb 82, he was appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-IN-C), Southern Naval Command. In Mar 83, he was appointed the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and subsequently as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff in May 84. 

Admiral Tahiliani retired from the Indian Navy on 30 Nov 87 after a highly distinguished career spanning 37 years. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service. 

Post retirement Admiral Tahiliani served as the Governor of Sikkim between Feb 90 and Sep 94. He also helped launch the India chapter of ‘Transparency International’ as a founder member in 1997. He has served as the chairman of the India chapter from its founding until 2010. He was also the chairperson of ‘Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan Anguridevi Shersingh’, a senior secondary school in New Delhi. Admiral Tahiliani was married to Jaswanti Tahiliani. His wife was equally distinguished as the first lady engineer in Mumbai. He is also the proud father of noted Indian fashion designer, Tarun Tahiliani.

RADM Ravneet Singh, NM Assumes Command of Western Fleet of Indian Navy

Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, NM assumed command of the ‘Sword Arm’ of Indian Navy as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) this morning, 12 Oct 2015, at sea on board INS Viraat. An accomplished fighter pilot and qualified flying instructor (QFI), the Admiral has over 2500 hrs of flying experience on ten different type of aircraft. The Flag Officer hails from Jalandhar, Punjab and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1983.