New Delhi. Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi will take over as the new Navy Chief by the end of this month. He will replace outgoing Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, who retires on April 30. Vice Admiral Tripathi is currently the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. “The government has appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of April 30,” the Defense Ministry said.
Joined Indian Navy on 1 July 1985
Vice Admiral Tripathi was born on 15 May 1964 and joined the Indian Navy on 1 July 1985. An expert in communications and electronic warfare, Vice Admiral Tripathi has had a long and distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years. Before assuming the post of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
Took command of INS Vinash
He also commanded INS Vinash. As Rear Admiral, he served as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. He has also been the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. An alumnus of Sainik School and National Defense Academy Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Tripathi has also undergone courses at the Goa Naval War College and the US Naval War College. He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nau Sena Medal.
It is noteworthy that Dinesh Tripathi is taking charge at a time when Indian warships are active amid increased activities of Houthi rebels. So far, Indian warships have responded to 20 such incidents. Meanwhile, China is intensifying activities in the Indian Ocean region and its collusion with Pakistan remains a matter of concern for India.