Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, New navy chief of India

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi on Tuesday assumed control as India’s 26th navy chief. He took over the charge following the retirement of Admiral R Hari Kumar. Admiral Tripathi, who specialises in communication and electronic warfare has previously served as a vice naval chief and Admiral Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Born on 15 May 1964, Tripathi is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He joined the Indian Navy on 1 July 1985 and has served the navy for almost 39 years.

“Over the years, the navy has evolved into a combat-ready force. The existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain mandate that the Indian Navy should always remain operationally ready to deter potential adversaries at sea in peace, and to win the war at and from the sea when asked to do so. This will remain my singular focus and endeavour,” said Admiral Tripathi after taking charge.

“Another priority would be to strengthen the ongoing efforts of the navy towards Atmanirbharta and introducing new technologies” he further added.

The new role will be challenging for him amid the tensions in the distant seas where China is tactically playing for the influence over the seas, and the Arabian Sea is yet another matter of concern with tension arising in the Red Sea region and piracy resurfacing.

Tripathi will have to anchor the Navy’s plan of modernization as the Navy is aiming to become self-reliant till 2047 when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence.

India will experience more of these top military leadership changes as Army Chief General Manoj Pande is all set to retire on May 31. Army vice chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi is the most favourable candidate to fill his spot being the senior-most officer after Pande.

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