Admiral Nirmal Verma took over from Admiral Sureesh Mehta on Monday, as the 20th CNS of Independent India and the 18th Indian to take command of the Indian Navy.
In the morning, Admiral Verma paid tribute to the country’s martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and then inspected an impressive Guard of Honour at the lawns of South Block. Later, in his office, the outgoing Chief formally handed over the Chief’s telescope to Admiral Verma.
The change of command ceremonies included a poignant ceremony when Admiral Sureesh Mehta was bid adieu by the Principal Staff Officers and other senior staff officers of the Indian Navy by ceremoniously pulling out his jeep.
Immediate priorities
Talking on the sidelines after the ‘taking over’ ceremony, Adm Verma said that it was a great “privilege and honour” to take command of such a fine service manned by a new generation of technology savvy officers and sailors. While outlining his priorities as the new Naval Chief, he stated that his emphasis will be on consolidating and sustaining the growth of the Navy with due attention to indigenisation. He cited the acquisition of the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, the new Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I and the Scorpene submarine as being of utmost priority.
While talking of indigenisation he also highlighted the need to closely monitor development and production activities to ensure induction within planned time frames, stating that alternate options must be processed concurrently to ensure we do not have a void in combat capability.
He re-emphasised the importance of maintaining high Maritime Domain Awareness, synergising the weapon-sensor grid and ensuring seamless connectivity over a networked force. He stated that the training of the Navy is also being realigned to man the technology intensive force.
Wealth of knowledge
Admiral Nirmal Verma is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His nearly four decades of experience spans across various afloat and ashore appointments. His sea tenures include Commands of INS Udaygiri, a Leander Class Frigate; INS Ranvir, a Kashin Class Destroyer; and the Aircraft Carrier, INS Viraat.
In assignments that shape future leadership of the Indian Navy, he has commanded the Indian Naval Academy at Goa, been Head of Naval Training Team at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, and Senior Directing Staff (Navy) at the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Admiral Verma’s career has an amalgamation of Indian and global experience. As part of crew for the first Kashin Class Destroyer inducted into the Indian Navy in 1980, he trained in the former Soviet Union. He has attended professional mid and senior level courses at the Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich, UK and the Naval Command Course at the US Naval War College, Rhode Island respectively. Upon elevation to Flag Rank, as a Rear Admiral he has contributed to consolidation of growth and development of the Naval Commands first as the Chief of Staff of Eastern Naval Command and thereafter as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.
Evolution of the maritime capabilities and policies for future induction were steered by Admiral Verma in his capacity as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans).
On promotion to Vice Admiral in Nov 2005, he guided the Human Resource Development programmes of the Navy, formulating personnel and service policies as the Chief of Personnel.
In his capacity as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Verma, structured the framework for the transformation of the navies combat capabilities and infrastructure development.
The Admiral is a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for meritorious service, and is also the Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President of India.
Admiral Verma is married to Madhulika and they have two sons Hemant and Anant, who are in the creative and business fields, respectively.
