- Vice Admiral Manish Chadha assumes charge as Director General Naval Operations
- Gujarat Naval Area veteran steps into key operational post after 35-year career
- AVSM, VSM awardee brings command, communication and electronic warfare expertise
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUG 4
What does a naval commander who has led the Gujarat Naval Area, commanded frontline warships and worked on India’s strategic communications bring to one of the Navy’s most critical operational appointments? Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has now assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), taking on a key responsibility at a time when maritime security is becoming increasingly central to India’s strategic calculus.
Vice Admiral Chadha assumed charge on Monday, marking another significant milestone in a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years—and one with a strong Gujarat imprint through his tenure as Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area.
From NDA to frontline command
An alumnus of the 78th course of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Chadha was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991. A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he is also an alumnus of the 61st Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and completed the Higher Command Course at the National Defence University, Washington, USA.
His career has straddled command, operations, training and strategic staff responsibilities, both afloat and ashore.
Among his key afloat appointments were command of Coast Guard Interceptor Boat CGS-05 and the Indian Naval Ships Veer, Kirpan and Mysore, giving him extensive frontline operational and command experience.
Gujarat connection: Commanding a key maritime front
His Gujarat chapter stands out prominently in his Flag Rank career.
On promotion to Flag Rank, Vice Admiral Chadha served as Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, placing him at the helm of a strategically important maritime region on India’s western seaboard.
He subsequently served as Assistant Chief of Personnel (Administration and Civilian), Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area, and Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development).
His Gujarat tenure adds particular significance to his elevation to DGNO, given the State’s strategic coastline and its importance to India’s western maritime security architecture.
From Moscow to maritime strategy
Vice Admiral Chadha’s assignments have also taken him into the arena of international naval diplomacy and strategic planning.
He served as Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India, Moscow, while at Naval Headquarters he steered key projects involving VLF and satellite communications. He also served as Director, International Fleet Review 2016, contributing to one of the Navy’s major international maritime engagements.
On elevation to Vice Admiral, he was appointed Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, where he was entrusted with “Shaping Future Naval Leadership…”—a role that placed him at the heart of preparing the Navy’s next generation of officers.
His distinguished service has been recognised with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2025.
With his assumption of charge as DG Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Chadha now moves into a pivotal operational role, bringing together his experience in frontline command, electronic warfare, strategic communications, maritime area command, international engagement and naval leadership.
