Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command (WNC), known as the “Sword Arm of the Indian Navy,” on July 31, 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, who retired after 40 years of distinguished service. Swaminathan, previously the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, paid homage to fallen heroes at the Gaurav Stambh in Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard upon taking charge, signaling his commitment to the Navy’s legacy.

Commissioned on July 1, 1987, Swaminathan, a specialist in communication and electronic warfare, brings a wealth of experience from commanding frontline warships, including missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash, missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, which earned the Best Ship award during his tenure at the 2016 International Fleet Review. His staff roles include Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff (2014-15) and Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Southern Naval Command, where he established the Indian Naval Safety Team to enhance operational safety.

Promoted to Rear Admiral in 2019, Swaminathan led the Western Fleet, earning the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021 for his command during joint exercises like JIMEX with Japan. As Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), he bolstered crew proficiency in navigation, anti-submarine warfare, and damage control. Elevated to Vice Admiral in 2021, he served as Chief of Staff, WNC, Controller of Personnel Services, Chief of Personnel, and Vice Chief of Naval Staff (May 2024–July 2025). His academic credentials include a BSc from JNU, MSc from CUSAT, MA from King’s College London, MPhil and PhD from Mumbai University, and training at prestigious institutions like the US Naval War College, where he earned the Naval War College Foundation Award, one of only 38 globally.

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Headquartered in Mumbai, the WNC oversees India’s maritime security in the Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean, a critical region amid rising Chinese naval activity. Swaminathan’s priorities include enhancing joint operations, international cooperation through exercises like VARUNA with France, and advancing indigenous technology, leveraging his electronic warfare expertise. His appointment, announced on July 25, 2025, follows a career marked by operational excellence and strategic foresight, positioning him to strengthen India’s maritime dominance.

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