Pune: Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh Takes Command of National Defence Academy (NDA)
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Khadakwasla, 25th May 2024: Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh assumed the role of Commandant at the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 25, 2024, succeeding Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar. An esteemed alumnus of NDA Khadakwasla, Vice Admiral Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990.
Throughout his distinguished career, Vice Admiral Singh has held numerous key positions, both at sea and on land. Specializing in Gunnery and Missiles, he has served on Indian Naval Ships (INS) Ranjit and Prahar. He was an integral part of the commissioning crew for three domestically constructed warships: INS Brahmaputra (as Gunnery Officer), INS Shivalik (as Executive Officer), and INS Kochi (as Commanding Officer). Additionally, he has commanded INS Vidyut and INS Khukri. His instructional roles included serving as an instructor at INS Dronacharya (Gunnery School) and as Deputy Commandant of the Naval War College in Goa. His staff assignments encompassed roles at the Directorate of Personnel/NHQ, as Assistant Chief of Personnel (HRD), at the Directorate of Naval Intelligence/NHQ, and with the Indian Naval Work-up Team.
On November 29, 2022, Vice Admiral Singh took command of the Eastern Fleet as Flag Officer Commanding. During his tenure, the fleet maintained high operational readiness with a focus on the mission of ‘Ordnance on Target’. Promoted to Vice Admiral on January 15, 2024, he was appointed as Controller of Personnel Services, where he initiated several programs to enhance the working conditions for naval personnel and their families.
Vice Admiral Singh’s exemplary service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Admiral Katari Trophy for ranking first in his batch during initial training. Under his leadership, INS Khukri received the Chief of Naval Staff ‘Unit Citation’ in December 2011 for operational effectiveness and anti-piracy efforts. His other awards include the FOC-in-C Commendation (2002), the Nao Sena Medal (2020), and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2024).
Academically, Vice Admiral Singh holds an MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies. He has completed the Staff Course at DSSC Wellington, the Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, and NDC courses in India. His international training includes the Maritime Intelligence Course at the National Intelligence University in Washington and the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Stockholm, Sweden.
