New Delhi: On July 3rd, Vice Admiral Atul Anand assumed the position of additional secretary in the Department of Military Affairs, as announced by the Ministry of Defence. This role was previously held by Lt Gen Anil Puri, who retired on February 28th.

Vice Admiral Anand joined the executive branch of the Indian Navy on January 1st, 1988. He is a distinguished graduate of the National Defence Academy, having been part of the 71st Course in the Delta Squadron. He also completed courses at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Mirpur, Bangladesh, and the National Defence College in New Delhi. Additionally, he attended the Advanced Security Cooperation course at the Asia Pacific Centre of Security Studies in Hawaii, USA.

Recognized with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Anand has held numerous significant positions throughout his career. He has commanded the Torpedo Recovery Vessel INTRV A72, the missile boat INS Chatak, the corvette INS Khukri, and the destroyer INS Mumbai. He served as the Navigating Officer on the ships Sharda, Ranvijay, and Jyoti, and held the role of Direction Officer in the Sea Harrier squadron INAS 300, as well as the Executive Officer of the destroyer INS Delhi.

In terms of staff appointments, he has been the Joint Director of Staff Requirements, a Directing Staff member at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Director of Naval Operations and Naval Intelligence (Ops).

At the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy), he has served as the Principal Director of Naval Operations and the Principal Director of Strategy, Concepts, and Transformation.

As a Flag Officer, he has held the positions of Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign, Cooperation, and Intelligence), Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, and Director General of Naval Operations.

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