Visakhapatnam— Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla has assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command, succeeding Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, who retired from service.
Before this appointment, Vice Admiral Bhalla served as the Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters, where he introduced major human resource reforms, enhanced training programs, and advanced wellness initiatives for naval personnel and their families.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 1989, Vice Admiral Bhalla brings with him over 36 years of distinguished service. A specialist in communication and electronic warfare, he has served on several frontline warships and commanded four ships — INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas, and later the Eastern Fleet as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
During his tenure as FOCEF, he played a leading role in major naval events, including acting as the Officer in Tactical Command for the President’s Fleet Review and the sea phase of MILAN-22, a multinational exercise that saw record participation from friendly foreign nations.
His career also includes significant staff appointments such as Assistant Chief of Personnel (HRD) at Naval Headquarters, Chief of Staff (Western Naval Command), and Director of the Maritime Doctrine and Concept Centre, alongside a diplomatic posting abroad.
An alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies (London), Naval War College (Goa), and Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), Vice Admiral Bhalla holds an M.Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies, a Master’s in International Security and Strategic Studies from King’s College, London, and an M.Sc in Telecommunications from CUSAT.
He has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nau Sena Medal (NM) for his exemplary service to the nation.
