By Staff Correspondent
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM took charge of the Indian Navy on 30 April 2024 as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff. He replaces Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, and ADC, retiring after a distinguished career in the Indian Navy.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is a graduate of Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was enlisted on July 1, 1985, in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. As a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he has held positions as the Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer aboard frontline warships of the Navy. He then served as the Executive Officer and Principal Warfare Officer of the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai.
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi emphasized the need for the Indian Navy to maintain constant operational readiness to discourage prospective enemies in maritime settings.
The Navy, according to Admiral Tripathi, has “evolved into a combat-ready, cohesive, credible and future-proof force” throughout the years.
“The existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain mandate that the Indian Navy should remain operationally ready at all times to deter potential adversaries at sea in peace and to win a war at and from the sea when asked to do so,” he pointed out. “This will remain my singular focus and endeavour,” he further stated.
Among the incoming chief’s stated goals is strengthening the Navy’s current initiatives to increase self-sufficiency.
“I will also strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Indian Navy towards ‘Aatamnirbharta’, towards introducing new technologies and becoming an important pillar of national development towards our collective quest for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India),” stated Admiral Tripathi.
Subsequent ships under Adm Tripathi’s command include INS Kirch, INS Vinash, and INS Trishul. He has been an important staff and operational figure for nearly 40 years, serving as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet in Mumbai, Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director of Network Centric Operations, and Principal Director of Naval Plans in New Delhi, among other positions. He was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at NHQ after being promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. Following his rise to the rank of Vice Admiral, he held several important positions, including that of Commandant of the esteemed Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, Director General of Naval Operations, Chief of Personnel, and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command in Mumbai.
Past education for Adm Dinesh K. Tripathi included studies at Signal School in Kochi, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the Naval Higher Command Course in Karanja, and Naval Command College in the USA.
Before becoming the Chief of the Naval Staff on April 30, 2024, he served as Vice Chief of Naval Staff.
