Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 01:Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM assumed command of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) as the 19th Commander-in-Chief (CINCAN) on 01 Oct 25. The ANC, based at Sri Vijaya Puram, is India’s first and only Joint Services Operational Command, comprising elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, mandated to safeguard national interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region, astride the major trade artery of the Malacca Straits.
Vice Admiral Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 88. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Naval War College Mumbai and Royal College of Defence Studies United Kingdom, he is a Gunnery and Missile Specialist.
In a career spanning over 37 years, the Flag Officer has served extensively on frontline warships of the Eastern and Western Fleets. He has commanded IN Ships Nashak, Vibhuti, Kirpan and commissioned the frigate Trikand in Russia. He also commanded aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya as its third skipper, during which the carrier successfully integrated and operationalised its Air Wing.
His staff appointments at Naval Headquarters include key responsibilities in Budgeting and Weapon Procurement. On promotion to Flag Rank in 2018, he was appointed Assistant Controller of Carrier Projects (ACCP) and Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (ACWP&A), steering Government approvals for critical shipbuilding projects and contributing significantly to capability development of the Navy.
As Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet in 2021, he was instrumental in safeguarding national interests in the maritime domain during the challenging COVID-19 period. He subsequently served as Commandant, National Defence Academy in 2022, where he oversaw the induction of women cadets and focused on enhancing training standards and infrastructure. On 25 May 24, he assumed charge as Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, and steered the Command response amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict and resurgence of piracy in the Gulf region.
The Flag Officer also conducted Naval operations in Western Coast during Op Sindoor, ensuring a resounding defeat to Pakistan. For his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Nausena Medal.
On assuming charge as CINCAN, Vice Admiral Kochhar emphasised that the Andaman and Nicobar Command plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing operational readiness, jointness and synergy amongst all components of the Armed Forces, and strengthening ANC’s role as a key pillar of India’s security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.
