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{{short description|Indian Navy Admiral}}
{{short description|Indian Navy Admiral}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
| honorific_prefix = [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
| name         = Ajay Kochhar
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_suffix = [[AVSM]], [[Nao Sena Medal|NM]]
| honorific_prefix     = [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
| native_name   =  
| name                 = Ajay Kochhar
| native_name_lang =  
| honorific_suffix     = {{Post-nominals|country=IND|size=90%|PVSM|AVSM|NM}}
| image         = VAdm Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM.jpg
| native_name         =  
| image_size   =
| native_name_lang     =  
| alt          =  
| image               = File:Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar.jpg
| caption      =  
| image_size           = 230px
| birth_date   =  
| alt                 =
| nickname     =  
| caption              =
| birth_name   =  
| office              = [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|Commander-in-Chief<br>Andaman and Nicobar Command]]
| allegiance   = {{IND}}
| term_start           = 1 October 2025
| branch       = {{navy|India}}
| term_end            = 
| serviceyears = 1988 - present
| 1blankname          = [[Chief of the Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]]
| rank         = [[File:British_Royal_Navy_(sleeves)_OF-8.svg|20px]] [[File:13-Indian_Navy-VADM.svg|20px]] [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]
| 1namedata            = [[Anil Chauhan]]
| servicenumber =  
| predecessor          = [[Dinesh Singh Rana]]
| unit         =  
| successor            =  
| commands     = [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]]<br/>[[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]]<br/>{{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}}<br/>{{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}
| birth_date           =  
| battles       =  
| nickname             =  
| battles_label =  
| birth_name           =  
| awards        = [[File:Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]<br/>[[File:Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Nao Sena Medal]]
| allegiance           = {{IND}}
| spouse       = <!-- Add spouse if reliably sourced -->
| branch               = {{navy|India}}
| relations     =  
| serviceyears         = July 1988 - present
| laterwork     =  
| rank                 = [[File:13-Indian_Navy-VADM.svg|20px]] [[File:British_Royal_Navy_(sleeves)_OF-8.svg|19px]] [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]  
| signature     =  
| military_blank1      = Service number
| website       =  
| military_data1      = 03326-H <ref>https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792624</ref>
| memorials     =  
| unit                 =  
| module       =  
| commands             = {{plainlist|
* [[File:Andaman and Nicobar Command.jpg|22px]] [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]
* [[File:National Defence Academy NDA.png|20px]] [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]]
* [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]]
* {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}}
* {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}
}}
| battles             =  
| battles_label       =
| military_blank2    = Awards
| military_data2      = {{plainlist|
* [[File:Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
* [[File:Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
* [[File:Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Nao Sena Medal]]
}}
| alma_mater          =
| spouse               =  
| relations           =  
| laterwork           =  
| signature           =  
| website             =  
| memorials           =  
| module               =  
}}
}}
[[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] '''Ajay Kochhar''', [[AVSM]], [[Nao Sena Medal|NM]] is a serving Flag officer in the [[Indian Navy]]. He currently serves as the [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy|Commandant]] of the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]]. He last served as the  Project Director (Operations and Training) in the ATV Project Headquarters. He earlier served as the [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] and prior to that was the third [[commanding officer]] of the [[aircraft carrier]] [[INS Vikramaditya]].
[[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] '''Ajay Kochhar''', [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[Nao Sena Medal|NM]] is a serving Flag officer in the [[Indian Navy]]. He currently serves as the [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge of Andaman & Nicobar Command |url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-of-andaman-nicobar-command/2966652 |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=www.ptinews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AN_Command/status/1973397745445773686|title= VAdm Ajay Kocchar Appoint as CinC Andaman and Nicobar Command |website=X(former Twitter)|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> His flag appointments include Chief of Staff, [[Western Naval Command]], [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy|Commandant]] of the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] and [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-as-wncs-chief-of-staff/articleshow/110483653.cms |access-date=2025-10-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-01 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar is new NDA Commandant |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-is-new-nda-commandant-7847961/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
He was the third commanding officer of the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}} and the commissioning commanding officer of the [[Talwar-class frigate]] {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}.


== Naval career ==
== Naval career ==
Kochhar was commissioned into the [[Indian Navy]] on 1 July 1988. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. He has commanded five [[warship]]s of the Indian Navy.<ref name="PIB - FOCWF">{{cite web |title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700554 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> On 29 June 2013, as the [[ship commissioning|commissioning]] [[commanding officer]] of the [[Talwar-class frigate|Talwar-class]] [[Stealth technology|stealth]] [[Frigate#Guided-missile role|guided missile frigate]] {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}, he commissioned the ship in [[Kaliningrad]], Russia.<ref>{{cite web |title=INS Trikand, a Stealth Frigate joins Indian Navy {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-trikand-stealth-frigate-joins-indian-navy |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref>
Kochhar was commissioned into the [[Indian Navy]] on 1 July 1988. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. He has commanded five [[warship]]s of the Indian Navy.<ref name="PIB - FOCWF">{{cite web |title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700554 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> On 29 June 2013, as the [[ship commissioning|commissioning]] [[commanding officer]] of the [[Talwar-class frigate|Talwar-class]] [[Stealth technology|stealth]] [[Frigate#Guided-missile role|guided missile frigate]] {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}, he commissioned the ship in [[Kaliningrad]], Russia.<ref>{{cite web |title=INS Trikand, a Stealth Frigate joins Indian Navy {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-trikand-stealth-frigate-joins-indian-navy |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> On 20 July 2017, Kochhar took command of the [[flagship]] of the Indian Navy, the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}} as its third [[commanding officer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/854873877222014978 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>
 
On 20 July 2017, Kochhar took command of the [[flagship]] of the Indian Navy, the [[aircraft carrier]] {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}} as its third [[commanding officer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/854873877222014978 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>


===Flag rank===
===Flag rank===
On promotion to Flag Rank, Kochhar took over as the Assistant Controller Carrier Project (ACCP) at Naval headquarters. He then served as the Assistant Controller Warship Production & Acquisition (ACWP&A).<ref name="ACWP&A">{{cite web |title=Image Gallery |url=http://www.grse.in/visit/example/visit_44.html?ml=1&iframe=1#ad-image-17 |website=www.grse.in}}</ref> As the ACCP, he managed the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier. In his role as ACWP&A, he oversaw all aspects related to construction and acquisition of warships for the Navy both from Indian as well as foreign shipyards.<ref name="FOCWF" />
On promotion to Flag rank, Kochhar took over as the Assistant Controller Carrier Project (ACCP) at Naval headquarters. He then served as the Assistant Controller Warship Production & Acquisition (ACWP&A).<ref name="ACWP&A">{{cite web |title=Image Gallery |url=http://www.grse.in/visit/example/visit_44.html?ml=1&iframe=1#ad-image-17 |website=www.grse.in}}</ref> As the ACCP, he managed the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier. In his role as ACWP&A, he oversaw all aspects related to construction and acquisition of warships for the Navy both from Indian as well as foreign shipyards.<ref name="FOCWF" />


Kochhar took command of the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] on 24 February 2021 as the [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] from Rear Admiral [[Krishna Swaminathan]].<ref name="FOCWF">{{cite web |title=Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar Assumes Command of The Western Fleet (FOCWF) {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/rear-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-command-western-fleet-focwf |website=indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> For his command of the Western fleet, he was awarded the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] on 26 January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792586 |website=www.pib.gov.in |access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref>
Kochhar took over as the [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] on 24 February 2021 from Rear Admiral [[Krishna Swaminathan]].<ref name="FOCWF">{{cite web |title=Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar Assumes Command of The Western Fleet (FOCWF) {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/rear-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-command-western-fleet-focwf |website=indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> He was in command of the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] till 27 December 2021. He handed over command to Rear Admiral [[Sameer Saxena (admiral)|Sameer Saxena]] and was appointed Project Director (Operations and Training) of the Advanced Technology Vessel Project (ATVP).<ref>{{cite web |title=CHANGE OF COMMAND OF WESTERN FLEET |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1785602 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=3 October 2025}}</ref> For his command of the Western fleet, he was awarded the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] on 26 January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792586 |website=www.pib.gov.in |access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref>  


On 1 April 2022, Kochhar took over as the [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]] from [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] Sanjeev Kapoor.<ref>{{cite web |title=CHANGE AT THE HELM : VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, AVSM, NM ASSUMES THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMANDANT NATIONAL DEFENCE ACDAEMY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1812511 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=2 April 2022 |date=1 April 2022}}</ref>
After a short stint at ATVP HQ, Kochhar was promoted to rank of Vice Admiral and appointed [[Commandant of the National Defence Academy]]. On 1 April 2022, he took over from [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] Sanjeev Kapoor.<ref>{{cite web |title=CHANGE AT THE HELM : VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, AVSM, NM ASSUMES THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMANDANT NATIONAL DEFENCE ACDAEMY (sic) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1812511 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=2 April 2022 |date=1 April 2022}}</ref> After a two-year stint, he assumed the charge as the Chief of Staff, [[Western Naval Command]] on 25 May 2024 succeeding Vice Admiral [[Sanjay Bhalla]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-as-wncs-chief-of-staff/articleshow/110483653.cms |access-date=2025-10-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 1 October 2025, he took over as the  [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]] from [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]] [[Dinesh Singh Rana]] who moved as [[Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AN_Command/status/1973397745445773686|title= VAdm Ajay Kocchar Appoint as CinC Andaman and Nicobar Command |website=X(former Twitter)|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> He was awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] on 26 January 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=77th REPUBLIC DAY PRESIDENT APPROVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND GALLANTRY AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218584&reg=3&lang=1 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=27 January 2026}}</ref>


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
For his exemplary dedication, the flag officer has been awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] in 2026, the [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] in 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792586 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=www.pib.gov.in}}</ref> and the [[Nau Sena Medal|Nao Sena Medal]].
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Samanya_Seva_medal.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Samanya_Seva_medal.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Operation_Vijay_star.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Operation_Vijay_star.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Vijay medal.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Parakram medal.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Sainya_Seva_Medal_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|colspan=4|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Vijay medal.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Parakram medal.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Sainya_Seva_Medal_Ribbon.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 50th Anniversary Independence medal.svg|width=106}}
|colspan=4|[[File:75yearmedal.svg|105x105px]] {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 50th Anniversary Independence medal.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_30_Years_Long_Service_Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|colspan=4|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_30_Years_Long_Service_Ribbon.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}}
|colspan=4|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}}
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|-
|[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
|[[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
|[[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
|[[Nao Sena Medal]]
|[[Nao Sena Medal]]
||[[Samanya Seva Medal]]
||[[Samanya Seva Medal]]
|-
|[[Operation Vijay Star]]
|[[Operation Vijay Star]]
|-
|[[Operation Vijay Medal]]
|[[Operation Vijay Medal]]
|[[Operation Parakram Medal]]
|[[Operation Parakram Medal]]
|[[Sainya Seva Medal]]
|[[Sainya Seva Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Service and campaign medals|50th Anniversary of Independence Medal]]
|-
|-
|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|30 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[75th Independence Anniversary Medal (India)|75th Independence Anniversary Medal]]
|colspan=2|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|20 Years Long Service Medal]]
|colspan=2|[[50th Independence Anniversary Medal]]
|[[Indian military decorations#Long service awards|9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[30 Years Long Service Medal]]
|-
|
|[[20 Years Long Service Medal]]
|[[9 Years Long Service Medal]]
|
|}
|}


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{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Air Marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Sanjeev Kapoor (air marshal)|Sanjeev Kapoor]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commandant of the National Defence Academy|Commandant]], [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]]|years=2022-present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-bef|rows=2|before = [[Krishna Swaminathan]]}}
{{s-bef|rows=2|before = [[Krishna Swaminathan]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]]|years=2021-2021}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[INS Vikramaditya#Commanding officers|Commanding Officer INS Vikramaditya]]|years=2017 - 2018}}
{{s-aft|after=Puruvir Das}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet|Flag Officer Commanding<br>Western Fleet]]|years=2021 - 2021}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sameer Saxena (admiral)|Sameer Saxena]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Sameer Saxena (admiral)|Sameer Saxena]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[INS Vikramaditya#Commanding officers|Commanding Officer INS Vikramaditya]]|years=2017-2018}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Air marshal (India)|Air Marshal]] [[Sanjeev Kapoor (air marshal)|Sanjeev Kapoor]]}}
{{s-aft|after=Puruvir Das}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Commandant of the National Defence Academy|Commandant]]<br>[[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]]|years=2022 - 2024}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] [[Gurcharan Singh (admiral)|Gurcharan Singh]]}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Sanjay Bhalla]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = Chief of Staff<br>[[Western Naval Command]]|years=25 May 2024 - 30 September 2025}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Rahul Vilas Gokhale]]}}
{{s-bef|before =[[Dinesh Singh Rana]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|Commander-in-Chief<br>Andaman and Nicobar Command]]|years=1 October 2025 - Present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kochhar, Ajay}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kochhar, Ajay}}
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Indian Navy vice admirals]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Western Fleet]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Western Fleet]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Nau Sena Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Nau Sena Medal]]
[[Category:Defence Services Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:Naval War College, Goa alumni]]
[[Category:Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies]]
[[Category:Commandants of the National Defence Academy]]

Latest revision as of 09:21, 24 February 2026


Vice Admiral
Ajay Kochhar
PVSM AVSM NM
Commander-in-Chief
Andaman and Nicobar Command
Assumed office
1 October 2025
Chief of Defence StaffAnil Chauhan
Preceded byDinesh Singh Rana
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Navy
Years of serviceJuly 1988 - present
Rank Vice Admiral
Commands
Service number03326-H [1]
Awards

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, PVSM, AVSM, NM is a serving Flag officer in the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command.[2][3] His flag appointments include Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Commandant of the National Defence Academy and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.[4][5]

He was the third commanding officer of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (R33) and the commissioning commanding officer of the Talwar-class frigate INS Trikand (F51).

Naval career[edit | edit source]

Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1988. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. He has commanded five warships of the Indian Navy.[6] On 29 June 2013, as the commissioning commanding officer of the Talwar-class stealth guided missile frigate INS Trikand (F51), he commissioned the ship in Kaliningrad, Russia.[7] On 20 July 2017, Kochhar took command of the flagship of the Indian Navy, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (R33) as its third commanding officer.[8]

Flag rank[edit | edit source]

On promotion to Flag rank, Kochhar took over as the Assistant Controller Carrier Project (ACCP) at Naval headquarters. He then served as the Assistant Controller Warship Production & Acquisition (ACWP&A).[9] As the ACCP, he managed the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier. In his role as ACWP&A, he oversaw all aspects related to construction and acquisition of warships for the Navy both from Indian as well as foreign shipyards.[10]

Kochhar took over as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet on 24 February 2021 from Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.[10] He was in command of the Western Fleet till 27 December 2021. He handed over command to Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena and was appointed Project Director (Operations and Training) of the Advanced Technology Vessel Project (ATVP).[11] For his command of the Western fleet, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 January 2022.[12]

After a short stint at ATVP HQ, Kochhar was promoted to rank of Vice Admiral and appointed Commandant of the National Defence Academy. On 1 April 2022, he took over from Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor.[13] After a two-year stint, he assumed the charge as the Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command on 25 May 2024 succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla.[14] On 1 October 2025, he took over as the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command from Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana who moved as Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command.[2][15] He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 January 2026.[16]

Awards and decorations[edit | edit source]

For his exemplary dedication, the flag officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022[17] and the Nao Sena Medal.

Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Nao Sena Medal Samanya Seva Medal
Operation Vijay Star Operation Vijay Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal
75th Independence Anniversary Medal 50th Independence Anniversary Medal 30 Years Long Service Medal
20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792624
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge of Andaman & Nicobar Command". www.ptinews.com. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "VAdm Ajay Kocchar Appoint as CinC Andaman and Nicobar Command". X(former Twitter). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  4. ↑ "Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff". The Times of India. 28 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  5. ↑ "Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar is new NDA Commandant". The Indian Express. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. ↑ "REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF)". pib.gov.in.
  7. ↑ "INS Trikand, a Stealth Frigate joins Indian Navy | Indian Navy". www.indiannavy.nic.in.
  8. ↑ Twitter https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/854873877222014978. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ↑ "Image Gallery". www.grse.in.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar Assumes Command of The Western Fleet (FOCWF) | Indian Navy". indiannavy.nic.in.
  11. ↑ "CHANGE OF COMMAND OF WESTERN FLEET". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  12. ↑ "PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY". www.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  13. ↑ "CHANGE AT THE HELM : VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, AVSM, NM ASSUMES THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMANDANT NATIONAL DEFENCE ACDAEMY (sic)". pib.gov.in. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  14. ↑ "Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff". The Times of India. 28 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  15. ↑ "VAdm Ajay Kocchar Appoint as CinC Andaman and Nicobar Command". X(former Twitter). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  16. ↑ "77th REPUBLIC DAY PRESIDENT APPROVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND GALLANTRY AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  17. ↑ "PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY". www.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
Military offices
Preceded by
Krishna Swaminathan 		Commanding Officer INS Vikramaditya
2017 - 2018 		Succeeded by
Puruvir Das
Flag Officer Commanding
Western Fleet
2021 - 2021 		Succeeded by
Sameer Saxena
Preceded by
Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor 		Commandant
National Defence Academy
2022 - 2024 		Succeeded by
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh
Preceded by
Sanjay Bhalla 		Chief of Staff
Western Naval Command
25 May 2024 - 30 September 2025 		Succeeded by
Rahul Vilas Gokhale
Preceded by
Dinesh Singh Rana 		Commander-in-Chief
Andaman and Nicobar Command
1 October 2025 - Present 		Incumbent
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