New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) Outgoing Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi handed over the charge to Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as he bid farewell to the military service.
Speaking to the reporters, Admiral Tripathi said, “It has been my honour and pleasure to be at the helm of India’s Navy, Indian Navy, every Indian’s Navy.”
“Over the past few years, whenever the nation called, the Navy delivered. We saw it during Operation Sindoor, which still continues, and we are seeing it now during Operation Urja Suraksha amid the turmoil in West Asia,” he added.
Admiral Tripathi expressed gratitude to the Government of India for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the Indian Navy. He also thanked his shipmates, teammates, officers, sailors, and defence civilians who, he said, “have stood with me and delivered what the country wanted”.
“What we have demonstrated as a service is that we are there to protect and promote India’s national maritime interests anytime, anywhere, anyhow. Today, as I hand over the baton of the Indian Navy to Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, I do it with satisfaction knowing that Admiral Swaminathan, a thorough professional and outstanding leader with proven quality and capacity, will take our Navy to greater heights,” he added.
“It has been a pleasure and honour,” Admiral Tripathi added.
Earlier in the day, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi, an occasion that symbolised the conclusion of his tenure as the Indian Navy’s highest-ranking officer.
Admiral Tripathi also visited the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath in homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation.
Earlier on Friday, Admiral Tripathi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him on the operational preparedness of the force and the prevailing security environment in the Indian Ocean Region.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, the Indian Navy said Admiral Tripathi provided the Prime Minister with a comprehensive overview of the force’s readiness and the evolving maritime security landscape.
“Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, called on Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 29 May 26. Prior to handing over command of the Indian Navy on 31 May 26, CNS briefed the Hon’ble Prime Minister on the operational readiness of the Indian Navy and the overall security situation in the Indian Ocean Region, including the impact of emerging challenges and galloping technology in the maritime domain,” it said.
“The Indian Navy, as a combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-ready Atmanirbhar force, remains committed to safeguarding our national maritime interests — anytime, anywhere, anyhow,” the post added.
Admiral Tripathi took charge as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff on April 30, 2024. Before assuming the top naval position, he served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and held several important operational and administrative assignments during his distinguished career.
An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence Academy, Admiral Tripathi was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985. He specialised in Communication and Electronic Warfare and went on to build a career spanning multiple operational and strategic appointments.
His command assignments included leadership of INS Vinash, INS Kirch and INS Trishul. During his tenure as Commanding Officer of INS Kirch, he played a key role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the devastating tsunami of December 2004. His contribution earned him a letter of appreciation from the then-President of Sri Lanka.
Over the course of his naval career, Admiral Tripathi also served as Executive Officer of INS Mumbai, Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer, Fleet Communication Officer, and Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.
His staff appointments included positions such as Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director of Network Centric Operations and Principal Director of Naval Plans, giving him extensive exposure to planning, operations and strategic decision-making.
After being promoted to Flag Rank, he held several senior appointments, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Director General of Naval Operations, Chief of Personnel and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
Officials noted that his broad experience across both sea-going and staff appointments enabled him to develop a comprehensive understanding of virtually every aspect of the Indian Navy’s functioning, ranging from operations and planning to personnel management and force development.
Admiral Tripathi is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, where he was awarded the Thimmaiya Medal for being the best all-round officer. He also attended the Naval Higher Command Course and studied at the United States Naval War College during 2007-08, where he won the prestigious Robert E. Bateman International Prize.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Admiral Tripathi has been conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Nao Sena Medal.
Apart from his professional accomplishments, the outgoing Navy Chief is known for his keen interest in sports and closely follows tennis, badminton and cricket. He is also regarded as a student of international relations, military history and leadership studies, interests that have complemented his long and distinguished naval career.
–IANS
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