Arun Prakash: Difference between revisions

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{{for|the educator|Arun Prakash (educator)}}
{{Short description|Former Chief of the Indian Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix = [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]
| office1 = 18th [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]
| termstart1 = 31 July 2004
| termend1 = 31 October 2006
| president1 = [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]<br/>[[Pratibha Patil]]
| primeminister1 = [[Manmohan Singh]]
| predecessor1 = [[Madhvendra Singh]]
| successor1 = [[Sureesh Mehta]]
| name          = Arun Prakash
| name          = Arun Prakash
| honorific_suffix = [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[VrC]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]]
| honorific_suffix = [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[VrC]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]]
Line 10: Line 17:
| caption      =  
| caption      =  
| allegiance    = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance    = {{flag|India}}
| branch        = {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg}} [[Indian Navy]]
| branch        = {{navy|India}}
| rank          = [[File:IN_Admiral_Shoulder_curl.png|23px]] [[File:14-Indian Navy-ADM.svg|23px]]  
| rank          = [[File:IN_Admiral_Shoulder_curl.png|23px]] [[File:14-Indian Navy-ADM.svg|23px]]  
  [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]
  [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]
| commands      = [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]<br/>[[Western Naval Command]]<br/>[[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]<br/>[[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]]<br/>''[[INS Viraat]]''<br/>[[INS Vindhyagiri (F42)|INS ''Vindhyagiri'']]<br/>{{INS|Beas|1958|6}}<br/>[[INS Chatak (K96)|INS ''Chatak'']]<br/>[[INS Hansa]]
| commands      = [[Western Naval Command]]<br/>[[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]<br/>[[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]]<br/>{{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}}<br/>{{ship|INS|Vindhyagiri|F42}}<br/>[[INS Hansa]]<br/>[[INAS 300]]<br/>{{INS|Beas|1958|6}}<br/>{{ship|INS|Chatak|K96}}
| nickname      =  
| nickname      =  
| birth_date    = {{Birth year and age|1944|10}}
| birth_date    = {{Birth year and age|1944|10}}
Line 19: Line 26:
| birth_place  = [[Anantnag]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| birth_place  = [[Anantnag]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| death_place  =  
| death_place  =  
| serviceyears  = 1966–2006
| laterwork    =  
| laterwork    =  
| awards        = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishist Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishist Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Vir_Chakra_ribbon_bar.svg|20px]] [[Vir Chakra]]<br/>[[File:Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| awards        = [[File:Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishist Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishist Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Vir_Chakra_ribbon_bar.svg|20px]] [[Vir Chakra]]<br/>[[File:Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]
| battles      = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
| battles      = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]
}}
}}
[[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] '''Arun Prakash''', [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[VrC]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]] (born October 1944) is a former Flag Officer of the [[Indian Navy]]. He served as the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] from 31 July 2004 to 31 October 2006 and as the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] from 31 January 2005 to 31 October 2006. He is one of India's most decorated naval officers.<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia />
[[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] '''Arun Prakash''', [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[VrC]], [[Vishisht Seva Medal|VSM]] (born October 1944) is a former flag officer of the [[Indian Navy]]. He served as the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|chief of the Naval Staff]] from 31 July 2004 to 31 October 2006 and as the [[chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] from 31 January 2005 to 31 October 2006. He is one of India's most decorated naval officers.<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia />


Prakash was born in a military family and raised in Jammu and Kashmir. He joined the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]], graduating in 1964. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1966. Trained as a [[naval aviator]], he served on India's first [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship|INS|Vikrant|R11}}. During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], he was attached with the [[No. 20 Squadron IAF]]. He was awarded the [[Vir Chakra]] for leading airstrikes deep into enemy territory.  
Prakash was born in a military family and raised in Jammu and Kashmir. He joined the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]], graduating in 1964. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1966. Trained as a [[naval aviator]], he served on India's first [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}}. During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], he was attached to the [[No. 20 Squadron IAF]]. He was awarded the [[Vir Chakra]] for leading airstrikes deep into enemy territory.


After the war, in 1976, he attended the [[Indian Air Force Test Pilot School]]. He subsequently commanded the [[Chamak-class missile boat]] {{ship|INS|Chatak|K96}}. He also commanded the naval squadron [[INAS 300]] and led its conversion to the [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Sea Harrier]]. He then commanded the [[Leopard-class frigate]] {{ship|INS|Beas|1958}} which was converted to a training ship. He also commanded the [[Nilgiri-class frigate (1972)|Nilgiri-class frigate]] {{ship|INS|Vindhyagiri|F42}}. In 1990, he was appointed the third [[commanding officer]] of the aircraft carrier {{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}}. As a Commodore, He also commanded the [[naval air station]] [[INS Hansa]] in Goa.
After the war, in 1976, he attended the [[Indian Air Force Test Pilot School]]. He subsequently commanded the [[Chamak-class missile boat]] {{ship|INS|Chatak|K96}}. He also commanded the naval squadron [[INAS 300]] and led its conversion to the [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Sea Harrier]]. He then commanded the [[Leopard-class frigate]] {{ship|INS|Beas|1958}} which was converted to a training ship. He also commanded the [[Nilgiri-class frigate (1972)|Nilgiri-class frigate]] {{ship|INS|Vindhyagiri|F42}}. In 1990, he was appointed the third [[commanding officer]] of the aircraft carrier {{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}}. As a commodore, He also commanded the [[naval air station]] [[INS Hansa]] in Goa.


Prakash was promoted to Flag rank in 1993 and appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) (ACNS Air). In 1995, he took command of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] as the 21st [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF). After a two-year stint, he took over as Assistant Chief of Personnel (ACOP). Promoted to Vice Admiral, he served as the [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]] from 1997 to 1999, after which he took over as [[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]] at Naval HQ. In 2001, he was appointed the first [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|Commander-in-Chief]] of the newly-created [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. He subsequently had stints as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief [[Western Naval Command]] and [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]].
Prakash was promoted to flag rank in 1993 and appointed [[Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Assistant Chief of Naval Staff]] (Air) (ACNS Air). In 1995, he took command of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] as the 21st [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF). After a two-year stint, he took over as assistant chief of personnel (ACOP). Promoted to vice admiral, he served as the [[commandant of the National Defence Academy]] from 1997 to 1999, after which he took over as [[Chief of Personnel (India)|chief of personnel]] at Naval HQ. In 2001, he was appointed the first [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|commander-in-chief]] of the newly created [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. He subsequently had stints as the flag officer commanding-in-chief [[Western Naval Command]] and [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|vice chief of the Naval Staff]].


On 31 July 2004, Prakash assumed office as the 18th Chief of the Naval Staff. He took over as the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] on 31 January 2005 from [[General (India)|General]] [[Nirmal Chander Vij]].
On 31 July 2004, Prakash assumed office as the 18th chief of the Naval Staff. He took over as the [[chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] on 31 January 2005 from [[General (India)|General]] [[Nirmal Chander Vij]].


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Prakash grew up in the [[Kashmir Valley]], where his father rose to be a [[District collector|District Commissioner]] of [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Personnel/Chiefs/147-Arun-Prakash.html | title=Admiral Arun Prakash | publisher=Bharat Rakshak | access-date=18 April 2018 }}</ref> His two elder brothers also joined the [[Indian Armed Forces]], serving in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="PIB Bio">{{cite web |title=PIB |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive2/erelease.aspx |website=archive.pib.gov.in}}</ref>
Prakash was born and grew up in the [[Kashmir Valley]]. His father was in the Kasmir Civil Service and rose to become the [[District collector|district commissioner]] of [[Leh]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Personnel/Chiefs/147-Arun-Prakash.html | title=Admiral Arun Prakash | publisher=Bharat Rakshak | access-date=18 April 2018 }}</ref> His two elder brothers also joined the [[Indian Armed Forces]], serving in the [[Indian Army]]. Although he wanted to join the Navy, he attended college in Chandigarh for two years at the insistence of his father before joining the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA) in 1961. He graduated from NDA in 1964 as the cadet captain of his squadron.<ref name="PIB Bio">{{cite web |title=PIB |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive2/erelease.aspx |website=archive.pib.gov.in}}</ref>
He graduated from the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] in 1964, [[Indian Air Force Test Pilot School]] in 1976, the [[Defence Services Staff College]] in 1979, and the U.S. [[Naval War College]] in 1990.


==Career==
==Career==
===Early career===
===Early career===
Prakash was commissioned into the Indian Navy as an acting sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1966.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=439 |date=30 July 1966 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1966/O-1664-1966-0031-75895.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He specialised in [[naval aviation]], qualifying as a pilot in the [[Hawker Sea Hawk|Sea Hawk]] jet fighter, flying from the deck of the [[aircraft carrier]] [[INS Vikrant (R11)|INS ''Vikrant'']] in 1968. As a junior officer, he served afloat in ''Vikrant'', {{INS|Kirpan|1959|6}}, and [[INS Delhi (1948)|INS ''Delhi'']].  His assignments in naval aviation included flying Islander aircraft with [[INAS 550|Indian Navy Air Squadron 550]], [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire]] and [[HAL Kiran|Kiran]] aircraft with [[INAS 551|Indian Navy Air Squadron 551]], and [[Hawker Sea Hawk|Seahawk]] aircraft with [[INAS 300|Indian Navy Air Squadron 300]].
Prakash was commissioned into the Indian Navy as an acting sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1966.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=439 |date=30 July 1966 |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1966/O-1664-1966-0031-75895.pdf|publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> He volunteered for [[naval aviation]] and received flying training from the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) at [[Bamrauli Air Force Station|Air Force Station Bamrauli]]. After receiving his 'wings' in 1968, he joined [[INAS 551]] for conversion to [[Hawker Sea Hawk]] jet fighter aircraft. He subsequently joined the ''White Tigers'' [[INAS 300]] and qualified deck landing on the [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}}. He also flew the [[Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander]] aircraft with [[INAS 550]] and the [[de Havilland Vampire|Vampire]] and [[HAL Kiran|Kiran]] aircraft with [[INAS 551]]. Subsequently, Prakash was one of two naval pilots deputed to the IAF and trained on the [[Hawker Hunter]] aircraft at [[Jamnagar Air Force Station]]. After training, he joined the [[No. 20 Squadron IAF|20th Squadron Lightnings]] at [[Hindon Air Force Station]]. Before the outbreak of the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], the squadron moved to [[Pathankot Air Force Station]].<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia />


===Indo-Pakistani War of 1971===
===Indo-Pakistani War of 1971===
In the 1971 [[Indo-Pakistan War]], then [[Lieutenant (navy)|Lieutenant]] Prakash flew [[Hawker Hunter]] aircraft for the [[No. 20 Squadron IAF|20th Squadron Lightnings]]. For his gallantry in air action over [[West Pakistan]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], he received the [[Vir Chakra]].<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia />
In the 1971 [[Indo-Pakistan War]], for his gallantry in air action over [[West Pakistan]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], he received the [[Vir Chakra]].


The Vir Chakra citation reads:
The Vir Chakra citation reads:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<center>'''CITATION'''<br>
{{center|'''CITATION'''<br>
'''LIEUTENANT ARUN PRAKASH, (00590-R)'''</center>
'''LIEUTENANT ARUN PRAKASH, (00590-R)'''}}


During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Lieutenant Arun Parkash was a deputation to the Indian Air Force. On the 4th December, 1971, he led an Indian Air Force strikes mission to an enemy airfield. In this mission, he destroyed enemy’s heavy transport on ground and returned to base. On the 5th December, 1971, he led a very deep penetration day operational strike into enemy territory and attacked enemy air-fields heavily defended by air and ground forces. It destroyed enemy’s Heavy Transport Aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.
During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Arun Prakash was one of the two naval pilots on deputation to the Indian Air Force. On 4 December he led an Indian Air Force strike mission to an enemy airfield. In this mission, he destroyed enemy's heavy transport on ground and returned to base. On 5 December he led a very deep penetration day operational strike into enemy territory and attacked airfields heavily defended by air and ground forces. He destroyed enemy's heavy transport aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.
Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Parkash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.<ref>{{cite web |title=ARUN PRAKASH {{!}} Gallantry Awards |url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/arun-prakash |website=gallantryawards.gov.in}}</ref>
 
Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Prakash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.<ref>{{cite web |title=ARUN PRAKASH {{!}} Gallantry Awards |url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/arun-prakash |website=gallantryawards.gov.in}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


[[File:INS Vikrant circa 1984 carrying a unique complement of Sea Harriers, Sea Hawks, Allouette & Sea King helicopters and Alize ASW.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The {{INS|Vikrant|R11|6}} in the early 1980s, carrying Sea Harriers and other aircraft]]
[[File:The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the Chief Admiral Shri Arun Prakash at the demonstration of naval exercise on ship INS Viraat Goa- Mumbai on May 5, 2006.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Prakash with [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]] onboard {{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}}.]]


===Post-War===
===Post-War===
Promoted to [[Lieutenant Commander]] on 1 May 1976,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1668  |date=4 December 1976 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> he flew the [[Super Constellation]] that year for maritime air reconnaissance with [[INAS 312|Indian Navy Air Squadron 312]]. He later commanded the missile boat [[INS Chatak (K96)|INS ''Chatak'']], the training frigate {{INS|Beas|1958|6}}, the antisubmarine warfare frigate [[INS Vindhyagiri]], and the aircraft carrier [[INS Viraat]].<ref name=NextNavalChiefTheHindu />
After the war, Prakash served afloat in [[INS Vikrant (1961)]], {{INS|Kirpan|1959|6}}, and [[INS Delhi (1948)|INS ''Delhi'']] on which he received his watch keeping ticket. Promoted to [[lieutenant commander]] on 1 May 1976, he flew the [[Super Constellation]] that year for maritime air reconnaissance with [[INAS 312|Indian Navy Air Squadron 312]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1668  |date=4 December 1976 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> In 1978, he was appointed commanding officer of the [[Chamak-class missile boat]] {{ship|INS|Chatak|K96}}. The following year, he was selected to attend the staff course at the [[Defence Services Staff College]], [[Wellington Cantonment|Wellington]]. In December 1979, he took over as the squadron commander of [[INAS 300]], serving till May 1980. He was promoted to the rank of [[commander]] on 1 July 1980.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=188  |date=14 February 1981 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> After the short tenure as 'Tiger Leader', he was appointed commanding officer of the training frigate {{INS|Beas|1958|6}}, on which young midshipmen were trained. In November 1979, India placed its first order for six [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier]] FRS Mk 51 fighters and two T Mk 60 Trainers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Navy to bid adieu to Sea Harrier Fighters  {{!}} Indian Navy |url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy-bid-adieu-sea-harrier-fighters |website=indiannavy.nic.in |access-date=27 September 2025 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510095021/http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy-bid-adieu-sea-harrier-fighters |archive-date=2016-05-10}}</ref> Prakash was selected by the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|CNS]] [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[R. H. Tahiliani]] to induct the Sea Harriers into the Navy. He took command of INAS 300 for the second time in July 1981. He supervised the training of Indian Navy crew members in the [[United Kingdom]] for the Sea Harrier and ferried the newly acquired aircraft back to India in 1983. He was promoted to [[Captain (Indian Navy)|captain]] on 1 July 1986.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=903  |date=27 June 1987 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> In his aviation assignments, he logged more than 2,500 hours in the air in single and multi-engined, shore-based and carrier-based aircraft.<ref name=NextNavalChiefTheHindu>{{citation|title=Arun Prakash next Naval Chief|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 June 2004|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/02/stories/2004060202191300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040612074528/http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/02/stories/2004060202191300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2004|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> He then took over as captain (air) of the [[naval air station]] [[INS Hansa]] and subsequently as commanding officer.<ref name=NextNavalChiefTheHindu />


He was promoted to [[Commander]] on 1 July 1980,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=188  |date=14 February 1981 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> and in 1983, while in command of [[INAS 300|Indian Navy Air Squadron 300]], he supervised the training of Indian Navy crew members in the [[United Kingdom]] for the [[Sea Harrier]] and ferried the newly acquired aircraft back to India. He commanded two Air Squadrons and the naval air station [[INS Hansa|INS ''Hansa'']]. In his aviation assignments, he logged more than 2,500 hours in the air in single and multi-engined, shore-based and carrier-based aircraft.<ref name=NextNavalChiefTheHindu>{{citation|title=Arun Prakash next Naval Chief|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2 June 2004|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/02/stories/2004060202191300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040612074528/http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/02/stories/2004060202191300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 June 2004|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> He was promoted to [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] on 1 July 1986.<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=903  |date=27 June 1987 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref>
After over five years at Goa as squadron commander, captain (air) and CO, Prakash was appointed CO of the antisubmarine warfare frigate {{INS|Vindhyagiri|F42|6}}. In 1989, he was selected to attend the [[Naval War College]] in [[Rhode Island]]. After the course, he returned to India and was appointed the third commanding officer of the new aircraft carrier {{ship|INS|Viraat|R22}}. He was in command of ''Viraat'' till December 1991. In 1992, he was appointed naval assistant to the chief of the Naval Staff [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Laxminarayan Ramdas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas: A war hero and champion of human rights |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/admiral-laxminarayan-ramdas-a-war-hero-and-champion-of-human-rights-9219051/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=19 March 2024 |language=en |date=17 March 2024}}</ref>


===Flag Rank===
===Flag rank===
On 4 January 1993, Prakash was promoted to the rank of [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] and appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) (ACNS Air).<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1607  |date=25 November 1995 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> On 1 April 1995, after a two-year stint as ACNS, he was appointed the 21st [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]]. He was in command of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] for about a year-and-a-half. In late-1996, he moved to Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Personnel (ACOP).  
After serving as NA for a year, on 4 January 1993, Prakash was promoted to the rank of [[Rear admiral (India)|rear admiral]] and appointed assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air) (ACNS Air).<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1607  |date=25 November 1995 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> On 1 April 1995, after a two-year stint as ACNS, he was appointed the 21st [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet|flag officer commanding Eastern Fleet]]. He was in command of the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]] for about a year and a half. In late 1996, he moved to Naval HQ as assistant chief of personnel (ACOP).


[[File:US Navy 050322-N-2383B-150 Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) conducts an office call with visiting Adm. Arun Prakash, Chairman, Chief's of Staff Committee.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman, COSC]] & [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|CNS]] [[Admiral (India)|Adm]] [[Arun Prakash]] with [[Chief of Naval Operations|CNO]] [[Admiral (United States)|Adm]] [[Vern Clark]] in Washington, D.C.]]
[[File:US Navy 050322-N-2383B-150 Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) conducts an office call with visiting Adm. Arun Prakash, Chairman, Chief's of Staff Committee.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee|Chairman, COSC]] & [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|CNS]] [[Admiral (India)|Adm]] Arun Prakash with [[Chief of Naval Operations|CNO]] [[Admiral (United States)|Adm]] [[Vern Clark]] in Washington, D.C.]]


He was then promoted to the rank of [[Vice Admiral]] on 31 July 1997,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1124  |date=21 August 1999 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> and took over as the [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]], an appointment he served in till 19 March 1999. He then moved to NHQ, having been appointed [[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=I Reports of the Task Forces on 'Management of Internal Security' and 'Management of Defence' Presented |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/HOME%20AFFAIR/2000-JULY-DEC-HOME-AFFAIRS/PDF/HOM-2000-10-01_083.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=1 October 2000}}</ref> In October 2001, he became the first [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|Commander-in-Chief]] of the newly established [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. Then, on 31 December 2002, he took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) [[Western Naval Command]]. Following this assignment, he was appointed as the [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of Naval Staff]], serving for a brief period from October 2003 to July 2004.
He was then promoted to the rank of [[vice admiral]] on 31 July 1997,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) |page=1124  |date=21 August 1999 |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> and took over as the [[commandant of the National Defence Academy]], an appointment he served in till 19 March 1999. He then moved to NHQ, having been appointed [[Chief of Personnel (India)|chief of personnel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=I Reports of the Task Forces on 'Management of Internal Security' and 'Management of Defence' Presented |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/HOME%20AFFAIR/2000-JULY-DEC-HOME-AFFAIRS/PDF/HOM-2000-10-01_083.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |date=1 October 2000}}</ref> In October 2001, he became the first [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|commander-in-chief]] of the newly established [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. Then, on 31 December 2002, he took over as the flag officer commanding-in-chief (FOC-in-C) [[Western Naval Command]]. Following this assignment, he was appointed the [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|vice chief of Naval Staff]], serving for a brief period from October 2003 to July 2004.


===Chief of Naval Staff===
===Chief of Naval Staff===
Prakash was promoted to Full [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] and was appointed the 20th [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]] on 31 July 2004.<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia>{{citation|title=Arun Prakash to be new Naval Chief|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 June 2004|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-01/india/27163171_1_naval-staff-personnel-at-naval-headquarters-vice-admiral-arun-prakash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908044327/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-01/india/27163171_1_naval-staff-personnel-at-naval-headquarters-vice-admiral-arun-prakash|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> With the retirement of [[General (India)|General]] [[Nirmal Chander Vij]], Admiral Prakash took over as the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] on 31 January 2005.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dec 31 |first1=TNN | title=Gen Vij new head of chiefs of staff panel {{!}} India News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gen-Vij-new-head-of-chiefs-of-staff-panel/articleshow/976587.cms |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> While serving as Chief of Naval Staff, Prakash played an important role in renewing the [[Indian Navy]]'s relationships with the [[United States Navy]]<ref name=BetterRelationsDailyTimes>{{citation|title=US, India making military deal amid better relations|work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|location=Pakistan|date=25 March 2005|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-3-2005_pg4_16|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> and in developing a vision of India's maritime strategy. Prakash retired as Chief of Naval Staff in October 2006.<ref name=SureeshMehtaNewNavyChief>{{citation|title=Sureesh Mehta is new Navy chief|work=IBN Live|date=31 October 2006|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sureesh-mehta-is-new-navy-chief/25112-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016122233/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sureesh-mehta-is-new-navy-chief/25112-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 October 2012|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> He retired from the post of Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee at the same time.
Prakash was promoted to full [[Admiral (India)|admiral]] and was appointed the 20th [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|chief of Naval Staff]] on 31 July 2004.<ref name=NewNavalChiefTimesIndia>{{citation|title=Arun Prakash to be new Naval Chief|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 June 2004|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-01/india/27163171_1_naval-staff-personnel-at-naval-headquarters-vice-admiral-arun-prakash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908044327/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-01/india/27163171_1_naval-staff-personnel-at-naval-headquarters-vice-admiral-arun-prakash|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> With the retirement of [[General (India)|General]] [[Nirmal Chander Vij]], Admiral Prakash took over as the [[chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] on 31 January 2005.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dec 31 |first1=TNN | title=Gen Vij new head of chiefs of staff panel {{!}} India News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gen-Vij-new-head-of-chiefs-of-staff-panel/articleshow/976587.cms |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> While serving as chief of Naval Staff, Prakash played an important role in renewing the [[Indian Navy]]'s relationships with the [[United States Navy]]<ref name=BetterRelationsDailyTimes>{{citation|title=US, India making military deal amid better relations|work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|location=Pakistan|date=25 March 2005|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_25-3-2005_pg4_16|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> and in developing a vision of India's maritime strategy. Prakash retired as chief of Naval Staff in October 2006.<ref name=SureeshMehtaNewNavyChief>{{citation|title=Sureesh Mehta is new Navy chief|work=IBN Live|date=31 October 2006|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sureesh-mehta-is-new-navy-chief/25112-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016122233/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sureesh-mehta-is-new-navy-chief/25112-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 October 2012|access-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> He retired from the post of chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee at the same time.
 
==Post-retirement==
Prakash settled in [[Goa]] after retiring from the Navy. He was the distinguished chair at the [[Naval War College, Goa]], from 2016 to 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Naval War College |url=https://twitter.com/InNwc/status/1554152441469251584 |website=twitter.com |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref>
 
Following the [[Sinking of IRIS Dena|sinking of the Iranian IRIS Dena]] after attending the [[International Fleet Review 2026]] in India by the [[U.S. Navy]], he commented that the attack was shocking in multiple ways. He said "It’s a bit of treachery of the US to attend a peaceful function side-by-side with Iranian navy, where there’s a lot of camaraderie, and then the moment the Iranian ship pops out of harbour, it’s sunk ... They could have delayed this action to spare India this embarrassment." He also said that targeting a guest of India that posed no immediate threat "leaves a very bad taste in my mouth".<ref name=guardian-20260315>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/us-attack-iris-dena-undermines-indian-security-ties-iran |title='Bit of treachery': US attack on IRIS Dena undermines Indian security ties |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Wipulasena |first2=Aanya |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 March 2026 |access-date=15 March 2026}}</ref>


==Decorations and Medals==
==Awards and decorations==
Prakash was awarded the [[Vir Chakra]] in 1972, the [[Vishisht Seva Medal]] in 1986, the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] in 1992 and the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1986-JAN-JULY-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1986-01-24_089.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for Defence Personnel |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1992-JAN-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1992-01-21_031.pdf |website=archive.pib.gov.in |access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref>
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
| colspan="4" |{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=IN Pilot.png|width=180}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|[[File:Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|105px]]
|[[File:Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|105px]]
Line 92: Line 108:


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|COLSPAN=4|Naval aviator (Pilot) badge
|-
|-
|[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
|[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
Line 108: Line 126:
|25th Independence Anniversary Medal
|25th Independence Anniversary Medal
|-
|-
| colspan="1"|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|30 Years Long Service Medal]]  
|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|30 Years Long Service Medal]]  
| colspan="2"|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|20 Years Long Service Medal]]  
| colspan="2"|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|20 Years Long Service Medal]]  
| colspan="1"|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 126: Line 144:
{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Nirmal Chander Vij]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]]| years = 2005 - 2006}}
{{s-aft|after =[[Shashindra Pal Tyagi]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Madhvendra Singh]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Madhvendra Singh]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]|years=2004–2006}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commanding Officer]] [[INS Viraat]]|years=1990-1991}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sureesh Mehta]]}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit Singh}}
{{s-bef|before=Harinder Singh}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]]|years=1995-1996}}
{{s-aft|after=O. P. Bansal}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] JS Rai}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]]|years=1997-1999}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]] SBS Kochar}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Colin De Silva]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Colin De Silva]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]]|years=2003–2004}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]]|years=1999-2001}}
{{s-aft|after=Yashwant Prasad}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit Singh}}
{{s-new|reason=New office}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]]|years=2001–2003}}
{{s-aft|after=O. P. Bansal}}
{{s-bef|before=Vinod Pasricha}}
{{s-bef|before=Vinod Pasricha}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command]]|years=2003–2003}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command]]|years=2003–2003}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit SIngh}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit Singh}}
{{s-new|reason=Appointment created}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]]|years=2001–2003}}
{{s-aft|after=O P Bansal}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Colin De Silva]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Colin De Silva]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]]|years=1999-2001}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]]|years=2003–2004}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit Singh}}
{{s-aft|after=Yashwant Prasad}}
{{s-bef|before=Air Marshal JS Rai}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]]|years=1997-1999}}
{{s-aft|after=Lieutenant General SBS Kochar}}
{{s-bef|before=Harinder Singh}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]]|years=1995-1996}}
{{s-aft|after=O P Bansal}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Madhvendra Singh]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Madhvendra Singh]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commanding Officer]] [[INS Viraat]]|years=1990-1991}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]|years=2004–2006}}
{{s-aft|after=Madanjit Singh}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sureesh Mehta]]}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Nirmal Chander Vij]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]]| years = 2005 - 2006}}
{{s-aft|after =[[Shashindra Pal Tyagi]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


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[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Chiefs of the Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:People from Anantnag]]
[[Category:Vice Chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Indian naval aviators]]
[[Category:Defence Services Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:Naval War College alumni]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vir Chakra]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Eastern Fleet]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Eastern Fleet]]
[[Category:Commandants of the National Defence Academy]]
[[Category:Commandants of the National Defence Academy]]
[[Category:Chiefs of Personnel (India)]]
[[Category:Chiefs of Personnel (India)]]
[[Category:Naval War College alumni]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vir Chakra]]
[[Category:People from Anantnag]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Indian naval aviators]]
[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]]
[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]]
[[Category:Vice chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Chiefs of the Naval Staff (India)]]

Latest revision as of 23:18, 15 March 2026


Admiral
Arun Prakash
PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM
18th Chief of the Naval Staff
In office
31 July 2004 – 31 October 2006
PresidentA. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Pratibha Patil
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Preceded byMadhvendra Singh
Succeeded bySureesh Mehta
Personal details
BornOctober 1944 (age 81)
Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir
Awards Param Vishist Seva Medal
Ati Vishist Seva Medal
Vir Chakra
Vishisht Seva Medal
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Navy
Years of service1966–2006
Rank Admiral
CommandsWestern Naval Command
Andaman and Nicobar Command
Eastern Fleet
INS Viraat (R22)
INS Vindhyagiri (F42)
INS Hansa
INAS 300
INS Beas
INS Chatak (K96)
Battles/warsIndo-Pakistani War of 1971

Admiral Arun Prakash, PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM (born October 1944) is a former flag officer of the Indian Navy. He served as the chief of the Naval Staff from 31 July 2004 to 31 October 2006 and as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee from 31 January 2005 to 31 October 2006. He is one of India's most decorated naval officers.[1]

Prakash was born in a military family and raised in Jammu and Kashmir. He joined the National Defence Academy, graduating in 1964. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1966. Trained as a naval aviator, he served on India's first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he was attached to the No. 20 Squadron IAF. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for leading airstrikes deep into enemy territory.

After the war, in 1976, he attended the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School. He subsequently commanded the Chamak-class missile boat INS Chatak (K96). He also commanded the naval squadron INAS 300 and led its conversion to the Sea Harrier. He then commanded the Leopard-class frigate INS Beas (1958) which was converted to a training ship. He also commanded the Nilgiri-class frigate INS Vindhyagiri (F42). In 1990, he was appointed the third commanding officer of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R22). As a commodore, He also commanded the naval air station INS Hansa in Goa.

Prakash was promoted to flag rank in 1993 and appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) (ACNS Air). In 1995, he took command of the Eastern Fleet as the 21st Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). After a two-year stint, he took over as assistant chief of personnel (ACOP). Promoted to vice admiral, he served as the commandant of the National Defence Academy from 1997 to 1999, after which he took over as chief of personnel at Naval HQ. In 2001, he was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the newly created Andaman and Nicobar Command. He subsequently had stints as the flag officer commanding-in-chief Western Naval Command and vice chief of the Naval Staff.

On 31 July 2004, Prakash assumed office as the 18th chief of the Naval Staff. He took over as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee on 31 January 2005 from General Nirmal Chander Vij.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Prakash was born and grew up in the Kashmir Valley. His father was in the Kasmir Civil Service and rose to become the district commissioner of Leh.[2] His two elder brothers also joined the Indian Armed Forces, serving in the Indian Army. Although he wanted to join the Navy, he attended college in Chandigarh for two years at the insistence of his father before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1961. He graduated from NDA in 1964 as the cadet captain of his squadron.[3]

Career[edit | edit source]

Early career[edit | edit source]

Prakash was commissioned into the Indian Navy as an acting sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1966.[4] He volunteered for naval aviation and received flying training from the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Air Force Station Bamrauli. After receiving his 'wings' in 1968, he joined INAS 551 for conversion to Hawker Sea Hawk jet fighter aircraft. He subsequently joined the White Tigers INAS 300 and qualified deck landing on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. He also flew the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft with INAS 550 and the Vampire and Kiran aircraft with INAS 551. Subsequently, Prakash was one of two naval pilots deputed to the IAF and trained on the Hawker Hunter aircraft at Jamnagar Air Force Station. After training, he joined the 20th Squadron Lightnings at Hindon Air Force Station. Before the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the squadron moved to Pathankot Air Force Station.[1]

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971[edit | edit source]

In the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, for his gallantry in air action over West Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, he received the Vir Chakra.

The Vir Chakra citation reads:

CITATION
LIEUTENANT ARUN PRAKASH, (00590-R)

During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Lieutenant Arun Prakash was one of the two naval pilots on deputation to the Indian Air Force. On 4 December he led an Indian Air Force strike mission to an enemy airfield. In this mission, he destroyed enemy's heavy transport on ground and returned to base. On 5 December he led a very deep penetration day operational strike into enemy territory and attacked airfields heavily defended by air and ground forces. He destroyed enemy's heavy transport aircraft, attacked troops and supplies and returned to base.

Throughout, Lieutenant Arun Prakash displayed gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty of a high order.[5]

Prakash with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh onboard INS Viraat (R22).

Post-War[edit | edit source]

After the war, Prakash served afloat in INS Vikrant (1961), INS Kirpan, and INS Delhi on which he received his watch keeping ticket. Promoted to lieutenant commander on 1 May 1976, he flew the Super Constellation that year for maritime air reconnaissance with Indian Navy Air Squadron 312.[6] In 1978, he was appointed commanding officer of the Chamak-class missile boat INS Chatak (K96). The following year, he was selected to attend the staff course at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. In December 1979, he took over as the squadron commander of INAS 300, serving till May 1980. He was promoted to the rank of commander on 1 July 1980.[7] After the short tenure as 'Tiger Leader', he was appointed commanding officer of the training frigate INS Beas, on which young midshipmen were trained. In November 1979, India placed its first order for six British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS Mk 51 fighters and two T Mk 60 Trainers.[8] Prakash was selected by the CNS Admiral R. H. Tahiliani to induct the Sea Harriers into the Navy. He took command of INAS 300 for the second time in July 1981. He supervised the training of Indian Navy crew members in the United Kingdom for the Sea Harrier and ferried the newly acquired aircraft back to India in 1983. He was promoted to captain on 1 July 1986.[9] In his aviation assignments, he logged more than 2,500 hours in the air in single and multi-engined, shore-based and carrier-based aircraft.[10] He then took over as captain (air) of the naval air station INS Hansa and subsequently as commanding officer.[10]

After over five years at Goa as squadron commander, captain (air) and CO, Prakash was appointed CO of the antisubmarine warfare frigate INS Vindhyagiri. In 1989, he was selected to attend the Naval War College in Rhode Island. After the course, he returned to India and was appointed the third commanding officer of the new aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R22). He was in command of Viraat till December 1991. In 1992, he was appointed naval assistant to the chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas.[11]

Flag rank[edit | edit source]

After serving as NA for a year, on 4 January 1993, Prakash was promoted to the rank of rear admiral and appointed assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air) (ACNS Air).[12] On 1 April 1995, after a two-year stint as ACNS, he was appointed the 21st flag officer commanding Eastern Fleet. He was in command of the Eastern Fleet for about a year and a half. In late 1996, he moved to Naval HQ as assistant chief of personnel (ACOP).

Chairman, COSC & CNS Adm Arun Prakash with CNO Adm Vern Clark in Washington, D.C.

He was then promoted to the rank of vice admiral on 31 July 1997,[13] and took over as the commandant of the National Defence Academy, an appointment he served in till 19 March 1999. He then moved to NHQ, having been appointed chief of personnel.[14] In October 2001, he became the first commander-in-chief of the newly established Andaman and Nicobar Command. Then, on 31 December 2002, he took over as the flag officer commanding-in-chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command. Following this assignment, he was appointed the vice chief of Naval Staff, serving for a brief period from October 2003 to July 2004.

Chief of Naval Staff[edit | edit source]

Prakash was promoted to full admiral and was appointed the 20th chief of Naval Staff on 31 July 2004.[1] With the retirement of General Nirmal Chander Vij, Admiral Prakash took over as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee on 31 January 2005.[15] While serving as chief of Naval Staff, Prakash played an important role in renewing the Indian Navy's relationships with the United States Navy[16] and in developing a vision of India's maritime strategy. Prakash retired as chief of Naval Staff in October 2006.[17] He retired from the post of chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee at the same time.

Post-retirement[edit | edit source]

Prakash settled in Goa after retiring from the Navy. He was the distinguished chair at the Naval War College, Goa, from 2016 to 2022.[18]

Following the sinking of the Iranian IRIS Dena after attending the International Fleet Review 2026 in India by the U.S. Navy, he commented that the attack was shocking in multiple ways. He said "It’s a bit of treachery of the US to attend a peaceful function side-by-side with Iranian navy, where there’s a lot of camaraderie, and then the moment the Iranian ship pops out of harbour, it’s sunk ... They could have delayed this action to spare India this embarrassment." He also said that targeting a guest of India that posed no immediate threat "leaves a very bad taste in my mouth".[19]

Awards and decorations[edit | edit source]

Prakash was awarded the Vir Chakra in 1972, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1986, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1992 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002.[20][21]

Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Naval aviator (Pilot) badge
Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vir Chakra Vishisht Seva Medal
Samar Seva Star Paschimi Star Raksha Medal Sangram Medal
Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal 50th Independence Anniversary Medal 25th Independence Anniversary Medal
30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

Published writings[edit | edit source]

  • From the Crow's Nest: A Compendium of Speeches and Writings on Maritime and Other Issues, New Delhi: Lancer Publishers, 2007.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Arun Prakash to be new Naval Chief", The Times of India, 1 June 2004, archived from the original on 8 September 2012, retrieved 10 July 2011
  2. ↑ "Admiral Arun Prakash". Bharat Rakshak. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  3. ↑ "PIB". archive.pib.gov.in.
  4. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 30 July 1966. p. 439.
  5. ↑ "ARUN PRAKASH | Gallantry Awards". gallantryawards.gov.in.
  6. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 4 December 1976. p. 1668.
  7. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 14 February 1981. p. 188.
  8. ↑ "Indian Navy to bid adieu to Sea Harrier Fighters | Indian Navy". indiannavy.nic.in. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  9. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 27 June 1987. p. 903.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Arun Prakash next Naval Chief", The Hindu, 2 June 2004, archived from the original on 12 June 2004, retrieved 10 July 2011
  11. ↑ "Admiral Laxminarayan Ramdas: A war hero and champion of human rights". The Indian Express. 17 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  12. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 25 November 1995. p. 1607.
  13. ↑ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 21 August 1999. p. 1124.
  14. ↑ "I Reports of the Task Forces on 'Management of Internal Security' and 'Management of Defence' Presented" (PDF). archive.pib.gov.in. 1 October 2000.
  15. ↑ Dec 31, TNN. "Gen Vij new head of chiefs of staff panel | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ "US, India making military deal amid better relations", Daily Times, Pakistan, 25 March 2005, retrieved 10 July 2011
  17. ↑ "Sureesh Mehta is new Navy chief", IBN Live, 31 October 2006, archived from the original on 16 October 2012, retrieved 10 July 2011
  18. ↑ "Naval War College". twitter.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  19. ↑ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah; Wipulasena, Aanya (15 March 2026). "'Bit of treachery': US attack on IRIS Dena undermines Indian security ties". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards" (PDF). archive.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  21. ↑ "Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for Defence Personnel" (PDF). archive.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 September 2025.

Sources[edit | edit source]

Military offices
Preceded by
Madhvendra Singh 		Commanding Officer INS Viraat
1990-1991 		Succeeded by
Madanjit Singh
Preceded by
Harinder Singh 		Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet
1995-1996 		Succeeded by
O. P. Bansal
Preceded by
Air Marshal JS Rai 		Commandant of the National Defence Academy
1997-1999 		Succeeded by
Lieutenant General SBS Kochar
Preceded by
John Colin De Silva 		Chief of Personnel
1999-2001 		Succeeded by
Madanjit Singh
New title
New office
 Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command
2001–2003 		Succeeded by
O. P. Bansal
Preceded by
Vinod Pasricha 		Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command
2003–2003 		Succeeded by
Madanjit Singh
Preceded by
John Colin De Silva 		Vice Chief of the Naval Staff
2003–2004 		Succeeded by
Yashwant Prasad
Preceded by
Madhvendra Singh 		Chief of the Naval Staff
2004–2006 		Succeeded by
Sureesh Mehta
Preceded by
Nirmal Chander Vij 		Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
2005 - 2006 		Succeeded by
Shashindra Pal Tyagi


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