Pune: Navy Chief Calls NDA Media Walkout “Unfortunate,” Promises Resolution Soon
Pune, 1st December 2025: In a significant development following the unprecedented media walkout at the National Defence Academy (NDA) Passing-Out Parade on Sunday, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi said the matter will be addressed with urgency and sensitivity.
Speaking after the Gen B.C. Joshi Memorial Lecture at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Monday, Admiral Tripathi told journalists he is “aware of the issue” and has already spoken to the NDA Commandant about the concerns raised.
“It was an unfortunate incident. The Commandant has assured of looking into this issue. A meeting will also be held with members of the media in the upcoming days and I believe that the issue will be resolved,” he said.
The reassurance came a day after media representatives staged a walkout during the 149th Passing-Out Parade at NDA in Khadakwasla, citing disrespectful and restrictive treatment by officials. According to the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ), journalists were moved to a location from where proper coverage of the parade was not possible, and when objections were raised, an Army officer allegedly told the media they could “walk out if not happy”.
The incident — believed to be a first in NDA’s history — led to limited visibility for the prestigious parade on news platforms and social media, resulting in a lukewarm publicity response compared to previous years.
The Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) has already lodged a formal protest with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Chief of Defence Staff, demanding accountability and a guarantee of professional access at future events.
Monday’s interaction with Admiral Tripathi marks the first official acknowledgment from top defence leadership, with journalists expecting further engagement once the promised meeting is scheduled.
The media fraternity maintains that transparent access and basic professional courtesy are essential, especially at one of India’s most revered military institutions.
