Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, AVSM, NM, officially took over the reins as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy on May 10, 2024. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1989, Vice Admiral Bhalla boasts a career spanning 35 years, marked by a series of specialised, staff, and operational roles, both at sea and on shore.

Following his completion of the Specialization Course in Communication and Electronic Warfare, Vice Admiral Bhalla served as a specialist aboard several frontline warships. His career then progressed to commanding various notable vessels, including INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas, and the esteemed position of Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). Notably, during his tenure as FOCEF, he commanded the President’s Fleet Review (PFR – 22) and oversaw the Sea Phase of the Indian Navy’s flagship multinational exercise MILAN – 22, which witnessed remarkable participation from friendly foreign nations.

On land, Vice Admiral Bhalla held significant staff appointments at the Naval Headquarters, including Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), and led officer training at the Naval Academy. He also undertook a diplomatic assignment abroad. Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, overseeing operations like Op Sankalp and events such as the Navy Day Op Demo 2023 at Sindhudurg.

An accomplished scholar, Vice Admiral Bhalla is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London; Naval War College; and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. His educational credentials include an M Phil in Defence & Strategic Studies, a Masters in International Security and Strategic Studies from Kings College, London, an M.Sc in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University, and an M.Sc in Telecom from CUSAT.

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In recognition of his exceptional service, Vice Admiral Bhalla has been honoured with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the Nao Sena Medal, and commendations by the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

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