Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi takes charge as new Navy chief

New Delhi: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi shortly after assuming charge as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff on Tuesday said that the existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain mandate the Indian Navy to remain operationally ready to face any adversities.

Adm. Tripathi succeeded Admiral R. Hari Kumar, who retired on superannuation after an illustrious career in the Indian Navy.

The new Navy Chief said that over the years the Indian Navy has evolved into a combat ready, cohesive, credible, and future proof force. “That will remain my singular focus and endeavour,” he added.

The admiral took charge of the Navy at a time when various strategic waterways, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, are witnessing security challenges, especially with Houthi militants targeting merchant ships in the region.

“I will also strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Indian Navy towards Aatma Nirbharbharta, towards new technologies and becoming an important pillar of nation’s development towards our collective quest for ‘Viksit Bharat’,” said Adm Tripathi.

He said that his priority will be to upskill our human resource “that is the men and women of our Navy and provide them with the best armament, training, professional environment and administrative support.”

Admiral Tripathi was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, prior taking over helm as Chief of the Naval Staff. Before taking charge, Admiral Tripathi paid tributes to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the lawns of the South Block at the Raisina Hills. He also took blessings from his mother Rajni Tripathi, who was present at the South Block complex.

He is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned on 1st July 1985 into the executive branch of the Indian Navy. A Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, he has served on frontline warships of the Navy as Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer and later as the Executive Officer and Principal Warfare Officer of the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai.

Adm Tripathi’s Sea Commands include INS Vinash, Kirch and Trishul. During his career spanning nearly 40 years, he has held various important operational and staff appointments, which include Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet at Mumbai, Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director Network Centric Operations and Principal Director Naval Plans at
New Delhi.

As Vice Admiral, he has served as Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala, Director General of Naval Operations, Chief of Personnel and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command at Mumbai.