Sanjay Vatsayan

He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1988. In a career spanning over three decades, he has tenanted numerous staff and command appointments. He has a specialisation in Gunnery & missile systems and has vast experience at sea and ashore. He has served on the Samar-class offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sangram, ICGS C05 and was part of the commissioning crew of the Delhi-class Guided missile destroyer INS Mysore (D60).^[8] He has also commanded the Veer-class missile vessels INS Vibhuti (K45) and INS Nashak (K83), the Khukri-class corvette INS Kuthar (P46) and was the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the Shivalik-class Guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri (F49).^[8] His staff appointment include serving as the Joint Director of Personnel, Director of Personnel (Policy), as the Director Naval Plans (Perspective Planning) and the Principal Director Naval Plans at the Naval HQ.^[8]

On promotion to Flag Rank in February 2018, he took over as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans).^[9] On 10 February 2020, he assumed the appointment as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.^[10] In February 2021, he relinquished command of the Eastern Fleet and was appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.^[11]

On getting promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, on 16 December 2021 he assumed the appointment as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.^[12] On 9 August 2023, he assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence (Operations)^[4] at the Integrated Defence Staff and was subsequently appointed as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy Planning & Force Development) on 1 December 2023.^[3]

On 1 August 2025, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan took over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff succeeding Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan who moved to Western Naval Command as its FOCinC.^[13]

During his career, the flag officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026,^[1] the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021^[14] and the Nao Sena Medal in 2017.^[15]