VAdm Krishna Swaminathan Appointed New WNC Commander

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command on 31st July 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, who retired after an illustrious 40 years of service in the Indian Navy.

Highlights:

• Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan takes over from Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM.
• Ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai; homage paid at Gaurav Stambh.
• A veteran specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare.
• Commanded key naval warships including INS Mysore and INS Vikramaditya.
• Former Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, with vast operational and training experience.
• Possesses several advanced degrees, including a PhD in International Studies.

In a key leadership shift in the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on 31st July 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, PVSM, AVSM, NM, who retired after a distinguished 40-year service.

Upon taking command, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan paid a respectful tribute to the nation’s naval martyrs at the Gaurav Stambh, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, reaffirming his dedication to upholding the legacy of service and sacrifice of his predecessors and fellow sailors.

VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1st July 1987, is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He is an alumnus of esteemed institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College, United Kingdom; and the United States Naval War College, USA.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has commanded several key frontline warships, including missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash, missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Beyond commanding at sea, he played pivotal roles in staff, training, and strategic domains—most notably establishing the Indian Naval Safety Team and leading the Flag Officer Sea Training organization.

After his promotion to Rear Admiral, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the Southern Naval Command, where he played a key role in shaping naval training. He later commanded the powerful Western Fleet—widely known as the Sword Arm of the Indian Navy. His strategic insight also supported national offshore security as Advisor, Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India.

As a Vice Admiral, he took on key leadership roles at Naval Headquarters as Controller of Personnel Services, Chief of Personnel, and later as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, before returning to Mumbai to lead the Western Naval Command.

VAdm Swaminathan’s academic pursuits are equally distinguished. He holds a BSc from JNU, MSc in Telecommunications, MA in Defence Studies, MPhil in Strategic Studies, and a PhD in International Studies—testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and strategic excellence.

The Indian Navy and the Western Naval Command are poised for continued growth and operational readiness under his visionary leadership.