Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi: All you need to know about the next Chief of Naval Staff

When will he become the Chief?

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is all set to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff, with effect from the afternoon of April 30, 2024. He will be succeeding Admiral R. Hari Kumar, who is scheduled to retire on April 30.

Who is he?

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is a communication and electronic warfare specialist who has had a long and distinguished service spanning nearly 39 years. He is presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. 

Early life

Born on May 15, 1964, Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is an alumni of Sainik School, Rewa and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has undergone courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; the Naval Higher Command Course, Karanja; and the Naval Command College at the United States Naval War College, USA. 

Family

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is married to Shashi Tripathi, who is an artist and a homemaker. They have a son who is a practicing lawyer. 

career life

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, in his initial years, was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985. He served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

Staff and operational Positions

Vinash, Kirch, and Trishul are three Indian Naval Ships that VAdm DK Tripathi has commanded. In addition, he has held a number of significant staff and operational positions, such as Principal Director of Naval Plans at New Delhi, Director of Naval Operations, Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, and Principal Director of Network Centric Operations.

Other positions

He has held the positions of Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), and Rear Admiral. He has held the positions of Vice Admiral, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, Director General of Naval Operations, and Commandant of the esteemed Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

Awards and decorations

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has been awarded several different accolades, like the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Nau Sena Medal, Operation Vijay Medal, 75th Independence Anniversary Medal, 30 Years Long Service Medal, etc.