Vice Admiral AN Pramod Takes Charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff
Why in the news
Vice Admiral AN Pramod took over as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on Saturday, August 1, 2026. He replaced Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who had retired the previous day.
Key facts
- New Deputy Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral AN Pramod, with effect from August 1, 2026.
- Predecessor: Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who retired on July 31, 2026 after more than 38 years of service.
- Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990; a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist and a Sea King air operations officer.
- Earlier role: Director General Naval Operations, from December 2023 to July 2026.
- Awards: Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and Yudh Seva Medal in 2025.
Career snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Executive Officer | Guided missile destroyer INS Rajput |
| Commands | INS Abhay, INS Shardul, INS Satpura, naval air station INS Utkrosh |
| Staff post | Fleet Operations Officer, Western Fleet |
| Operations | Operation Vijay (1999), Operation Parakram (2001) |
Exam angle
- Appointment questions usually pair the post with the person: Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Admiral AN Pramod.
- Note the predecessor, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, and the date, August 1, 2026.
- The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Yudh Seva Medal are distinguished service decorations; do not confuse them with gallantry awards.