New Delhi: Vice Admiral Manish Chadha assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), taking over the key operational appointment in the Indian Navy. Chadha, who has served in a range of command, operational, training and staff positions during a career spanning more than 35 years, was commissioned into the navy in July 1991.
An alumnus of the 78th course of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Chadha is a specialist in communication and electronic warfare. He later attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and completed the Higher Command Course at the National Defence University in Washington, US.
His career has included several sea commands, giving him extensive operational experience. He has commanded the Coast Guard Interceptor Boat CGS-05 as well as Indian Naval Ships Veer, Kirpan and Mysore.
Apart from his appointments at sea, Chadha has held several operational and administrative responsibilities at Naval Headquarters and different command headquarters. His assignments have covered areas including personnel management, administration, human resource development and naval operations.
Chadha has also served as the naval attaché at the embassy of India in Moscow. During his tenure at Naval Headquarters, he was associated with key communication projects involving very low frequency (VLF) and satellite communication systems. He also served as the director for the International Fleet Review 2016.
After being promoted to the rank of flag officer, Chadha was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area. He subsequently served as assistant chief of personnel (administration and civilian) at Naval Headquarters before taking over as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.
He later served as assistant chief of personnel (human resource development) at Naval Headquarters. The appointment was followed by his elevation to the rank of vice admiral and his posting as commandant of the Indian Naval Academy.
In his role as commandant, Chadha was responsible for the Indian Naval Academy, where he trained naval officers in preparation for their future roles as leaders within the navy.
His most recent assignment as DGNO follows his rich experience in operational commands, naval headquarters and training establishments. The DGNO is a very important operational assignment which is in charge of directing naval operations.
Chadha was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025.