In a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) to Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who has recently been appointed as Admiral and serves as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy. This accolade, presented during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) on June 29, 2026, acknowledges Admiral Swaminathan’s exemplary service to the nation.
Admiral Swaminathan officially took the helm of the Navy on May 31, 2026, following an impressive career that includes key positions such as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the Western Naval Command and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. His extensive experience encompasses a variety of crucial operational and staff roles throughout his nearly four-decade tenure in the Navy.
An alumnus of both Sainik School in Bijapur and the National Defence Academy, Admiral Swaminathan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. His expertise lies particularly in Communication and Electronic Warfare, and he has further enhanced his knowledge through professional military education at esteemed institutions such as the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom, the College of Naval Warfare in Mumbai, and the Naval War College in Newport, United States.
Throughout his distinguished career, Admiral Swaminathan has captained several frontline warships, including the INS Vidyut, INS Vinash, INS Kulish, INS Mysore, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, where he notably became its second Commanding Officer. During his leadership, INS Vikramaditya was declared the Best Ship of the Western Fleet, a testament to his command and operational excellence.
In addition to his command roles, Admiral Swaminathan has held vital positions within the Navy, including Chief Staff Officer for Training at the Southern Naval Command, Flag Officer Sea Training, and Chief of Personnel. His leadership has markedly advanced operational readiness, navy training, personnel management, and the development of maritime capabilities.
The conferment of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal highlights Admiral Swaminathan’s significant contributions to enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security. His leadership has been pivotal in promoting force modernization and strategic capability development, with a particular focus on advancing indigenous capabilities and fostering joint operations among the armed forces to protect India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Previously, Admiral Swaminathan was honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), and this latest award serves as a significant milestone in his illustrious naval career, further underscoring his exceptional service and leadership within the Indian Navy.
