-Calls for Maintaining the Highest Levels of Operational Readiness and Combat Effectiveness

NEW DELHI, May 31 (H.S.): Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday formally assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy. Upon taking office, he pledged to dedicate every day of his service to making the Navy stronger, more capable, more agile, and more effective in safeguarding India’s national security and supporting the nation’s development objectives.

He emphasized that his foremost priority would be to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest standards of operational readiness and combat effectiveness, enabling it to protect the country’s security and economic interests under all circumstances.

Earlier in the day, Admiral Swaminathan paid homage to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He was subsequently accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi.

Addressing officers and personnel after assuming command, Admiral Swaminathan said, “The Indian Navy remains fully committed to jointness, self-reliance, and indigenisation, and these will continue to be among my key focus areas. The Indian Navy is regarded as one of the most professional maritime forces in the world. Therefore, the welfare, professional excellence, and personal development of every member of the service will remain of paramount importance to me.”

Expressing gratitude to his predecessor, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, he said the outgoing Navy Chief had rendered exemplary service to the nation and had been a highly effective Chief of the Naval Staff.

“Under his leadership, the Navy benefited immensely from his guidance, vision, and strategic direction at every stage. I am deeply grateful for his invaluable contribution to the growth and strengthening of the service,” Admiral Swaminathan said.

In an emotional address, the new Navy Chief remarked, “Today, as I assume command as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, I do so with humility, a profound sense of responsibility, pride, and gratitude. I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to serve the Navy and the nation in this capacity.”

He noted that the Indian Navy remains vigilant in safeguarding the country’s interests and is actively deployed across a regional security environment that continues to be challenging, complex, unpredictable, and uncertain.

“The Navy is making steady progress in enhancing its capabilities and advancing along the path of indigenisation. My endeavour will be to sustain this momentum of growth and further strengthen our operational capabilities through the integration of emerging technologies,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, outgoing Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi reflected on the Navy’s contributions during his tenure.

He said, “Whenever the nation called upon us in recent years, the Indian Navy responded decisively. We witnessed this during Operation Sindoor, which remains ongoing, and we continue to see it through Operation Urja Suraksha amid the ongoing turbulence in West Asia.”

Admiral Tripathi expressed his gratitude to all officers, sailors, shipmates, teammates, and defence civilians who stood together and fulfilled the expectations of the nation.

“Today, I hand over command of the Indian Navy to Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, a consummate professional and an outstanding leader whose qualities, capabilities, and leadership credentials are well established. I am confident that he will lead the Navy to even greater heights in the years ahead,” he said.

With Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assuming command, the Indian Navy enters a new chapter focused on operational excellence, technological advancement, indigenisation, and strengthening India’s maritime security capabilities in an increasingly dynamic strategic environment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar