Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumes charge as 27th Chief of Naval Staff

NEW DELHI: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Sunday assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who superannuated after 41 years of distinguished service.

According to the Defence Ministry, Admiral Swaminathan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. A Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, he has held a wide range of operational, staff and training appointments during a career spanning nearly four decades.

Admiral Swaminathan’s sea commands include the guided missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash, guided missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, says, “I assume command today as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, pride, and gratitude. Being selected by the top leadership of the country for this job has been the… pic.twitter.com/UMd5wsGKGE

— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2026

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Kochi. He was subsequently appointed Flag Officer Sea Training and later commanded the Western Fleet, known as the Sword Arm of the Indian Navy. He also served as Flag Officer, Offshore Defence Advisory Group, and Advisor, Offshore Security and Defence, to the Government of India.

After being promoted to Vice Admiral, he held the appointments of Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command; Controller Personnel Services; Chief of Personnel; and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters. Prior to assuming charge as Chief of the Naval Staff, he was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Earlier, in a solemn ceremony, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan paid homage to the brave hearts at the #NationalWarMemorial.

He succeeds Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, who superannuated after an illustrious career spanning over 41 years. pic.twitter.com/pCH4vOqmE6

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 31, 2026

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, United Kingdom; College of Naval Warfare, Karanja; and the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, Admiral Swaminathan has extensive academic credentials.

He holds a BSc degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, an MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology, an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London, an MPhil in Strategic Studies from Mumbai University, and a PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University.

Admiral Swaminathan is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished service. (ANI)