In a ceremonial handover on January 4, 2024, Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM, assumed the crucial role of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, taking charge of the Indian Navy’s second-highest position. The distinguished officer, an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence Academy, paid tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, underlining his solemn commitment to the service of the nation.
Vice Admiral Tripathi’s illustrious career in the Indian Navy began when he was commissioned on July 1, 1985. As a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, he has served on frontline warships, holding key roles such as Signal Communication Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Executive Officer, and Principal Warfare Officer of the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Mumbai. His command assignments include Indian Naval Ships Vinash, Kirch, and Trishul.
The Vice Admiral’s extensive career encompasses significant operational and staff appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations, Principal Director Network Centric Operations, and Principal Director Naval Plans. His promotions saw him serve as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) and later as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
In June 2019, Vice Admiral Tripathi was elevated to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed as the Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala. His tenure as the Director General of Naval Operations from July 2020 to May 2021 witnessed a heightened tempo of Naval Maritime Operations. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, he ensured that the Navy remained a ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Proof Force.’
A distinguished graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Vice Admiral Tripathi further honed his skills at the Naval Higher Command Course and the US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Islands. His achievements include being awarded the Thimmaiya Medal and winning the prestigious Robert E Bateman International Prize.
Recognized for his devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Tripathi is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Nausena Medal. Beyond his military pursuits, he is known for his passion for sports, particularly tennis, badminton, and cricket. Additionally, he is a dedicated student of international relations, military history, and the art and science of leadership.
Married to Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, an artist and homemaker, the couple has a son who is a practicing lawyer, married to Tanya, a professional in the policy-making domain.
