New Delhi

After taking over the post, Vice Admiral Kochhar paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. Outgoing VCNS Vice Admiral Vatsayan also offered floral tributes at the memorial.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune, Vice Admiral Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1988. A specialist in gunnery and missile systems, he has served in several operational, command and staff appointments during a naval career spanning more than 37 years.

He has commanded warships including INS Nashak, INS Vibhuti and INS Kirpan, and was also the commissioning commanding officer of the frigate INS Trikand. He later commanded the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, overseeing the successful integration and operationalisation of its air wing.

Vice Admiral Kochhar is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Naval War College and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

During his career at Naval Headquarters, he held several important staff appointments, including Joint Director at Naval Plans, Director of Staff Requirements and Principal Director DSCT.

After being promoted to Flag Rank in 2018, he served as Assistant Controller of Carrier Projects and Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. He later commanded the Western Fleet in 2021 before taking over as Commandant of the National Defence Academy.

On May 25, 2024, he assumed charge as Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command during a challenging maritime security environment. He led the command’s response to both conventional and non-traditional threats along the western seaboard, including operations conducted during Operation Sindoor.

For his distinguished service, Vice Admiral Kochhar was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.

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Before becoming the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, where he played a major role in strengthening coordination and joint operations among the three armed services.