Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), recently concluded a four-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command based in Visakhapatnam, where he focused on assessing operational readiness and reviewing strategic infrastructure development initiatives within the command. The visit took place from December 16 to 19, 2025.
During his time at the Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Vatsayan engaged in discussions with Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C). He received comprehensive briefings regarding the command’s current operational status, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and future plans aimed at enhancing operational capabilities.
As part of his engagement with the various frontline units, Vice Admiral Vatsayan toured INS Udaygiri and INS Sahyadri, both integral ships of the Eastern Fleet, commonly referred to as the Sunrise Fleet. He praised the crews on board for their exceptional professionalism, seamanship, and high levels of operational readiness, highlighting the crucial role these units play in maintaining maritime security.
Reiterating the Indian Navy’s commitment to combat preparedness, Vice Admiral Vatsayan stressed the significance of indigenisation and the integration of advanced technologies to effectively tackle the evolving security challenges within the Indian Ocean Region. His remarks underscored a broader objective of fostering self-reliance in defense capabilities and enhancing the Navy’s overall efficiency.
The visit ultimately emphasized the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to sustaining a strong maritime presence along the eastern seaboard and its unyielding readiness to protect national maritime interests.
