NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy on Tuesday got its new Chief of Staff as Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assumed command as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). He succeeds Admiral R Hari Kumar who retires upon superannuation, after an illustrious career in the Indian Navy.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned on 1st July 1985 into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
After assuming charge Admiral Tripathi said, "I am deeply honoured to be appointed the twenty-sixth Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy."
"Over the years, our Navy has evolved into a Combat Ready, Cohesive, Credible,' and Future Proof Force, for which I want to thank all the esteemed former Chiefs of the Navy." He said.
The new Chief mentioned the emerging challenges and enumerated his focus as the Chief of the force.
Admiral Tripathi mentioned the existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain and said it mandates the "Indian Navy to remain operationally ready to deter potential adversities at sea in peace and to 'win the war at sea' when asked to do so."
That will remain my singular focus and endeavour, he said, "I will also strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Indian Navy towards Aatma Nirbharbharta, towards new technologies and becoming an important pillar of nation's development towards our collective quest for ' Viksit Bharat'"
Tripathi added, "My priority will be to upskill our human resource i.e. the men and women of our Navy and provide them with the best armament, training, professional environment and administrative support."
A Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, Admiral has served on frontline warships of the Navy as Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer and later as the Executive Officer (ExO) and Principal Warfare Officer of the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai.
Tripathi's Sea Commands include Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vinash, Kirch and Trishul.
During his career spanning nearly 40 years, he has held various important operational and staff appointments, which include Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet at Mumbai, Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director Network Centric Operations and Principal Director Naval Plans at New Delhi.
On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at NHQ and as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. On promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral, he has served as Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala, Director General of Naval Operations, Chief of Personnel (COP) and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCinC) Western Naval Command (WNC) at Mumbai.
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi has undergone courses at Signal School, Kochi, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Naval Higher Command Course, Karanja and Naval Command College at the United States Naval War College, United States of America.
He was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, prior taking over the helm as Chief of the Naval Staff.
Vice Admiral Tripathi is a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nausena Medal (NM) for devotion to duty. He is also a keen sportsman and avidly follows tennis, badminton, and cricket. The Flag Officer is a keen student of international relations, military history and art & science of leadership.
He is married to Mrs Shashi Tripathi, an artist and homemaker. The couple has one son, a practising lawyer, who is married to Tanya, who works in the policy making domain.