Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan Takes Over as 47th Vice Chief of Naval Staff, A new era for the Indian navy

August 1, 2025, in New Delhi , Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan took over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), marking yet another significant turning point in his remarkable three-decade career.

In a solemn ceremony upon taking command,

The Flag Officer laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in remembrance of the country’s fallen heroes.

On January 1, 1988, Vice Admiral Vatsayan, a distinguished graduate of the 71st Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, received his commission in the Indian Navy.

He has held key operational and staff positions and commanded several warships as a Gunnery and Missile Systems specialist, helping to shape India’s maritime strategy.

INS Mysore, commanding INS Nishank, INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, and INSBeyond operational command, Vice Admiral Vatsayan has been a key figure in policy-making.

A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Naval War College, and National Defence College, he has held extremely pivotal roles at Naval Headquarters, including Director of Personnel (Policy), Director Naval Plans, and Principal Director Naval Plans.

After being Promoted to Flag Rank in 2018, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans) before commanding Eastern Fleet. In 2021, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his leadership.

Later, as Deputy Commandant of NDA and Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, he enhanced infrastructure development and operational readiness. Significant Contributions to Joint Defense Operations In his former role as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (DCIDS)-Operations & Policy, he played a key role in force modernization, joint military planning, and promoting indigenization across the Armed Forces.

The new Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, will ensure that the Indian Navy remains a formidable force in the Indo-Pacific with his extensive experience, strategic vision, and operational expertise.