On May 10, 2024, Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, AVSM, NM, assumed the role of Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy. He joined the Indian Navy on January 1, 1989, and has since served in various specialist, staff, and operational roles, both at sea and on land.
Following his completion of the Specialisation Course in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he served as a specialist on numerous frontline warships. Throughout his 35-year career, he held commanding positions aboard INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas, and served as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF). Notably, during his tenure as FOCEF, he commanded the prestigious President’s Fleet Review (PFR – 22) and the Sea Phase of the Indian Navy’s multinational exercise MILAN – 22.
On land, he undertook significant staff roles at Naval Headquarters, including Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), oversaw Officer training at Naval Academy, and served in a diplomatic capacity abroad. Before assuming his current role, he served as Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, overseeing operations like Op Sankalp and events such as Navy Day Op Demo 2023 at Sindhudurg.
He holds degrees from the Royal College of Defence Studies, London; Naval War College; Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; and educational achievements including M Phil (Defence & Strategic Studies), Masters in International Security and Strategic Studies from Kings College, London, M.Sc (Defence & Strategic Studies) from Madras University, and M.Sc (Telecom) from CUSAT.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Commendations by the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
