Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair Assumes Charge as Controller Personnel Services

In a ceremonious and solemn occasion marked by deep military tradition, Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM, took charge as the Controller Personnel Services (CPS) of the Indian Navy. Upon assuming the new role, he paid tribute to India’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, reaffirming his commitment to the values of service, sacrifice, and strategic leadership.

With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Vice Admiral Nair brings with him a wealth of operational experience, strategic acumen, and personnel management expertise that will shape the future of the Indian Navy’s human resource frameworks.

A Career Anchored in Operational Excellence

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair is a Surface Warfare Officer with specialization in Communications and Electronic Warfare—two of the most critical fields in modern naval operations. His early sea tenures included assignments on board INS Krishna, INS Kora, and INS Mysore, where he honed his technical and tactical skills.

He notably served as the Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer and later as the Fleet Communications Officer of the Western Fleet. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the non-combatant evacuation of Indian nationals from Beirut in July 2006 amid the Israel-Lebanon conflict—an operation for which he received the Chief of the Naval Staff Commendation.

As the Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet in 2018–2019, he contributed to mission planning, readiness assessment, and operational execution across India’s eastern maritime frontier.

Command of Strategic Warships and Shore-Based Leadership

Vice Admiral Nair has commanded some of the Indian Navy's most formidable platforms, including:

• INS Kirch (Missile Corvette)

• INS Chennai (Guided Missile Destroyer)

• INS Vikramaditya (Aircraft Carrier), a flagship of India’s maritime power projection

Onshore, he has held key training and administrative roles. He served as:

• Directing Staff at Naval War College, Goa

• Officer-in-Charge, Signal School

• Commodore (Personnel) at the Directorate of Personnel, Naval HQ

He was also a key member of the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (INSOC), where he contributed for over three years to long-term strategic planning and operational doctrines.

International Recognition and Academic Distinction

An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the US Naval War College, Newport, Vice Admiral Nair's academic credentials are as decorated as his operational résumé. While attending the Naval Command Course in the United States, he was honored with:

• Robert E. Bateman International Award

• Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Prize for Military Operations and International Law

• International Leadership Prize

He also holds an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.

Recognitions and Awards

In recognition of his dedicated service, Vice Admiral Nair has received multiple prestigious awards:

• Nao Sena Medal (NM) for devotion to duty (2000)

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) on Republic Day 2025

These honors stand testament to his consistent excellence and operational leadership throughout his career.

Shaping Naval Vision: From Planning to Execution

Upon promotion to Flag Rank, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at Naval HQ. During his tenure, two landmark strategic blueprints were unveiled:

• Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) 2022–2037

• Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP) 2022–2037

These documents provide the long-term roadmap for modernizing naval force structure, infrastructure, and technological capabilities.

As Commander of the Western Fleet (2023–24), he led the fleet during Operation Sankalp, India’s naval deployment in the Persian Gulf to ensure safe passage of merchant shipping—a strategic mission that highlighted India's maritime readiness and responsibility in global waters.

Before assuming his current post, Vice Admiral Nair served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, where he mentored and shaped the next generation of naval leaders.

The Role Ahead: Controller Personnel Services

As CPS, Vice Admiral Nair will now oversee all aspects of personnel management in the Indian Navy—including human resource policies, career planning, pay and allowances, welfare measures, and training frameworks for uniformed and civilian staff.

Given his operational background and policy experience, his tenure is expected to bridge the gap between strategic force planning and human capital development—ensuring that the Indian Navy remains both technologically advanced and personnel-strong.

Looking Forward

Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair’s appointment as Controller Personnel Services comes at a critical juncture as the Navy expands its blue water capabilities, undertakes personnel reforms, and prepares for multi-domain challenges. With his seasoned leadership and forward-looking approach, the Indian Navy’s human capital strategy is set to evolve with greater cohesion, inclusivity, and excellence.