The Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala has marked a significant leadership transition with Vice Admiral Manish Chadha AVSM, VSM taking over as the new Commandant. He succeeds Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair AVSM, NM in a ceremony conducted with full military honors, underscoring the importance of this transition for the future of naval leadership in India.
Vice Admiral Chadha, who was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, brings 34 years of service to his new role. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His extensive command experience includes key warships such as INS Mysore, INS Veer, and INS Kirpan. Chadha’s educational background includes training at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, and participation in the Higher Command Course at the National Defence University in Washington, USA, providing him with a robust strategic perspective.
Prior to his appointment at the INA, Vice Admiral Chadha served as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development) at Naval Headquarters. His background in training and personnel development positions him well to lead the INA, which has been pivotal in shaping the future leaders of the Indian Navy since its establishment in 2009 at a cost of ₹721 crore.
This leadership change is in line with structured succession practices intended to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure operational readiness. Situated between Ezhimala Hill and the Kavvayi backwaters, the INA plays a crucial role in bolstering India’s naval capabilities, particularly in the context of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative. The academy boasts a 7-kilometre-long beachfront on the Laccadive Sea, enhancing its capacity to train future-ready officers through advanced infrastructure and rigorous training programs.
Vice Admiral Chadha’s ascension is anticipated to further enhance the academy’s reputation as a center of maritime excellence within the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with broader national security objectives and the evolving demands of naval operations.
