{{short description|Indian Navy admiral}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = Vice Admiral | name = Ajay Kochhar | honorific_suffix = {{Post-nominals|country=IND|size=90%|PVSM|AVSM|NM}} | native_name = | native_name_lang = | image = File:Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, VCNS.jpg | image_size = 230px | alt = | caption = Official portrait, 2026 | office = 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff | term_start = 29 May 2026 | term_end = | predecessor = Sanjay Vatsayan | successor = | office1 = Commander-in-Chief<br>Andaman and Nicobar Command | term_start1 = 1 October 2025 | term_end1 = 25 May 2026 | 1blankname1 = Chief of Defence Staff | 1namedata1 = Anil Chauhan | predecessor1 = Dinesh Singh Rana | successor1 = Vineet McCarty | birth_date = | nickname = | birth_name = | allegiance = {{IND}} | branch = {{navy|India}} | service_years = 1 July 1988 - present | rank = 20px 19px Vice Admiral | military_blank1 = Service number | military_data1 = 03326-H <ref>https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792624</ref> | unit = | commands = {{plainlist| * 22px Andaman and Nicobar Command * 20px National Defence Academy * Western Fleet * {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}} * {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}} }} | battles = | battles_label = | military_blank2 = Awards | military_data2 = {{plainlist| * 20px Param Vishisht Seva Medal * 20px Ati Vishisht Seva Medal * 20px Nao Sena Medal }} | alma_mater = | spouse = | relations = | laterwork = | signature = | website = | memorials = | module = }} Vice Admiral '''Ajay Kochhar''', PVSM, AVSM, NM is a serving flag officer in the Indian Navy who is currently serving as the 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff since 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 May 2026 |title=VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE 48TH VICE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2266589®=3&lang=1 |access-date=30 May 2026 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> He previously served as the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge of Andaman & Nicobar Command |url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-of-andaman-nicobar-command/2966652 |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=www.ptinews.com}}</ref> He earlier served as the Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-as-wncs-chief-of-staff/articleshow/110483653.cms |access-date=2025-10-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> as the Commandant of the National Defence Academy ,<ref>{{cite web |title=CHANGE AT THE HELM : VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, AVSM, NM ASSUMES THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMANDANT NATIONAL DEFENCE ACDAEMY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1812511 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=2 April 2022 |date=1 April 2022}}</ref> and as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=24 Feb 2021 |title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1700554®=3&lang=2 |access-date=19 May 2026 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Kochhar is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, the Defence Service Staff College, Wellington and the Naval War College, Mumbai. He is also an alumnus of Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.
== Naval career == Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1988. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. He has commanded five warships.<ref name="PIB - FOCWF">{{cite web |title=REAR ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE WESTERN FLEET (FOCWF) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1700554 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> He commanded the Veer-class missile boats {{ship|INS|Nashak|K83}} and {{ship|INS|Vibhuti|K45}}. He served as the Joint Director at Naval Plans at naval headquarters. He also commanded the Khukri-class corvette, {{ship|INS|Kirpan|P44}} as a Commander.<ref name="VCNS" />
As a Captain, on 29 June 2013, as the commissioning commanding officer of the Talwar-class stealth guided missile frigate {{ship|INS|Trikand|F51}}, he commissioned the ship in Kaliningrad, Russia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stealth Frigate ‘INS Trikand’ Joins Indian Navy |url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=96895 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=INS Trikand, a Stealth Frigate joins Indian Navy {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.gov.in/content/ins-trikand-stealth-frigate-joins-indian-navy |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> He also served as the Director of Staff Requirements at NHQ and as the third Commanding officer of aircraft carrier {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya|R33}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capt Ajay Kochhar Commanding Officer INS Vikramaditya presents a painting of Aircraft Carrier to Hon'ble RRM during his visit |url=https://x.com/indiannavy/status/854874489997230080?s=20 |access-date=19 May 2026 |website=X (formerly twitter)}}</ref> During his tenure as CO Vikramaditya, the carrier successfully completed the integration and operationalisation of its air wing. In the rank of Commodore, he served as Principal Director DSCT at NHQ.<ref name="VCNS" />
===Flag rank=== On elevation to Flag rank in 2018, Kochhar assumed the charge of Assistant Controller Carrier Project (ACCP) and as Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (ACWP&A) at Naval headquarters, New Delhi.<ref name="ACWP&A">{{cite web |title=Image Gallery |url=http://www.grse.in/visit/example/visit_44.html?ml=1&iframe=1#ad-image-17 |website=www.grse.in}}</ref> As the ACCP, he oversaw the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier. On 24 February 2021, he took over as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet succeeding Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.<ref name=":1" /> After a short stint, he relinquished the command Western Fleet on 27 December 2021 and was appointed Project Director (Operations and Training) of the Advanced Technology Vessel Project (ATVP).<ref>{{cite web |title=CHANGE OF COMMAND OF WESTERN FLEET |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1785602 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=3 October 2025}}</ref>
After promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral, on 1 April 2022, Kochhar took over as the Commandant of the National Defence Academy succeeding Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-01 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar is new NDA Commandant |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-is-new-nda-commandant-7847961/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>After a two-year stint, he assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command on 25 May 2024 succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as WNC's chief of staff |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-as-wncs-chief-of-staff/articleshow/110483653.cms |access-date=2025-10-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
On 1 October 2025, Kochhar took over as the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command succeeding Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana who moved as Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar Assumed Command of ANC |url=https://www.spsnavalforces.com/appointments/?id=138&h=Vice-Admiral-Ajay-Kochhar-Assumed-Command-of-ANC |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=www.spsnavalforces.com}}</ref> He relinquished the appointment of CINCAN on 25 May 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-25 |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar Relinquishes Command of Andaman and Nicobar Command - Nicobar Times |url=https://nicobartimes.com/local-news/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-relinquishes-command-of-andaman-and-nicobar-command/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> After a short stint, on 29 May 2026, he took over as the 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan who moved to Western Naval Command as its FOCinC.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge as 48th Vice Chief of Naval Staff |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/vice-admiral-ajay-kochhar-assumes-charge-as-48th-vice-chief-of-naval-staff20260529105318/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Vice_Admiral_Ajay_Kochhar.jpg|thumb|VAdm Ajay Kochhar as C-in-C Andaman and Nicobar Command|250x250px]]
==Personal life== Kochhar is married to Reyman, an artist. The couple has two children - Sabah, a freelance journalist, and Karan, a financial consultant.<ref name="VCNS">{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KOCHHAR, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE 48TH VICE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2266589®=3&lang=1 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=29 May 2026}}</ref>
==Awards and decorations== Kochhar was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026,<ref>{{cite web |title=77th REPUBLIC DAY PRESIDENT APPROVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND GALLANTRY AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218584®=3&lang=1 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=27 January 2026}}</ref> the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=PRESS RELEASE - DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS TO INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL ON REPUBLIC DAY |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1792586 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=www.pib.gov.in}}</ref> and the Nao Sena Medal.
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nao_Sena_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Samanya_Seva_medal.svg|width=106}} |- |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Operation_Vijay_star.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Vijay medal.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND Operation Parakram medal.svg|width=106}} |{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_Sainya_Seva_Medal_Ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |colspan=4|105x105px {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 50th Anniversary Independence medal.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND_30_Years_Long_Service_Ribbon.svg|width=106}} |- |colspan=4|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 20YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IND 9YearsServiceMedalRibbon.svg|width=106}} |}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |- |Param Vishisht Seva Medal |Ati Vishisht Seva Medal |Nao Sena Medal ||Samanya Seva Medal |- |Operation Vijay Star |Operation Vijay Medal |Operation Parakram Medal |Sainya Seva Medal |- |75th Independence Anniversary Medal |colspan=2|50th Independence Anniversary Medal |30 Years Long Service Medal |- | |20 Years Long Service Medal |9 Years Long Service Medal | |}
==See also== * Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet * Western Fleet * INS Vikramaditya
== References == {{reflist}}
{{s-start}} {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|rows=2|before = Krishna Swaminathan}} {{s-ttl|title=Commanding Officer, INS Vikramaditya|years=2017 - 2018}} {{s-aft|after=Puruvir Das}} {{s-ttl|title=Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet|years=2021 - 2021}} {{s-aft|after=Sameer Saxena}} {{s-bef|before = Sanjeev Kapoor}} {{s-ttl|title=Commandant of the National Defence Academy|years=2022 - 2024}} {{s-aft|after=Gurcharan Singh}} {{s-bef|before = Sanjay Bhalla}} {{s-ttl|title = Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command|years=25 May 2024 - 30 September 2025}} {{s-aft|after=Rahul Vilas Gokhale}} {{s-bef|before =Dinesh Singh Rana}} {{s-ttl|title = Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command|years=1 October 2025 - 28 May 2026}} {{s-aft|after=Vineet McCarty}} {{s-bef|before =Sanjay Vatsayan}} {{s-ttl|title = Vice Chief of the Naval Staff|years=29 May 2026 - Present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kochhar, Ajay}} Category:Indian Navy vice admirals Category:Living people Category:Flag Officers Commanding Western Fleet Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Category:Recipients of the Nau Sena Medal Category:Defence Services Staff College alumni Category:Naval War College, Goa alumni Category:Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies Category:Commandants of the National Defence Academy