Arjun Dev Nair


Arjun Dev Nair, VSM is a serving Flag officer in the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the Commandant of the Naval War College, Goa.

Naval career

Nair is an anti-submarine warfare specialist. He attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has commanded the Veer-class corvette, the Khukri-class corvette and the commanding officer of Talwar-class frigate. Under his command, Trikand won the award of Unit Citation 2016-17 and Best Ship 2016-17. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 January 2018.
As a Commodore, Nair served as the Fleet operations officer of the Western Fleet. He subsequently served as the Principal Director at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. He attended the 59th course of the National Defence College, New Delhi in 2019.

Flag rank

Nair was promoted to flag rank and appointed Assistant Chief of Personnel at naval headquarters. The ACOP is an assistant principal staff officer role. He subsequently served as the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, also at NHQ. On 20 November 2023, he was appointed the 6th Commandant of Naval War College, Goa. He took over from Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar.

Awards and decorations

Vishisht Seva MedalSamanya Seva MedalOperation Vijay StarOperation Vijay Medal
Operation Parakram MedalSainya Seva MedalVidesh Seva Medal75th Independence Anniversary Medal
50th Independence Anniversary Medal30 Years Long Service Medal20 Years Long Service Medal9 Years Long Service Medal