Sanjay Vatsayan
Sanjay Vatsayan, PVSM, AVSM, NM is a serving flag officer of the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the 47th Vice [Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]. He previously served as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Perspective Planning & Financial Development), prior to that he served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence (Operations). He earlier served as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.
Early life and education
He is an alumnus of the 71st Course of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. He is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Naval [War College, Goa|Naval War College], Goa and the National Defence College, New Delhi.Naval career
He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1988. In a career spanning over three decades, he has tenanted numerous staff and command appointments. He has a specialisation in Gunnery & missile systems and has vast experience at sea and ashore. He has served on the Samar-class offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sangram, ICGS C05 and was part of the commissioning crew of the Delhi-class Guided missile destroyer. He has also commanded the Veer-class missile vessels and, the Khukri-class corvette and was the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the Shivalik-class Guided missile frigate. His staff appointment include serving as the Joint Director of Personnel, Director of Personnel, as the Director Naval Plans and the Principal Director Naval Plans at the Naval HQ.Flag rank
On promotion to Flag Rank in February 2018, he took over as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff. On 10 February 2020, he assumed the appointment as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. In February 2021, he relinquished command of the Eastern Fleet and was appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.On getting promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, on 16 December 2021 he assumed the appointment as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. On 9 August 2023, he assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence (Operations) at the Integrated Defence Staff and was subsequently appointed as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Perspective Planning & Financial Development) on 1 December 2023.
On 1 August 2025, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan took over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff succeeding Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan who moved to Western Naval Command as it's FOCinC. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 January 2026.