New Delhi: Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is set to ascend as the new Navy Chief by the month’s conclusion, succeeding current head Admiral R Hari Kumar. Admiral Kumar is slated to conclude his tenure on April 30. Vice Admiral Tripathi currently occupies the role of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

“The administration has appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, presently holding the position of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, to assume the role of Chief of the Naval Staff as of the afternoon of April 30,” stated the defense ministry. Born on May 15, 1964, Vice Admiral Tripathi joined the Indian Navy’s executive branch on July 1, 1985.

A specialist in communications and electronic warfare, Vice Admiral Tripathi’s service spans nearly three decades, marked by excellence. Before his current position as Vice Chief of the Navy, he commanded the Western Naval Command as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Vice Admiral Tripathi has held an array of command, staff, and instructional positions.

He has helmed the vessel INS Vinash and has undertaken crucial operational and staff responsibilities, including Fleet Operations Officer for the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director Network Centric Operations, and Principal Director of Naval Plans at New Delhi.

In his role as Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral Tripathi served as Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Fleet and as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, a prestigious position. An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and NDA Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Tripathi has completed courses at the Naval War College in Goa and the Naval War College in the USA. He has been honored with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nau Sena Medal (NM) for his meritorious service.