REAR ADMIRAL VIDHYADHAR HARKE, VSM, ASSUMES COMMAND OF MAHARASHTRA NAVAL AREA

Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke, VSM assumed command of the Maharashtra Naval Area on 31 July 2026, succeeding Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM. Commissioned in 1993, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and Naval War College, and has commanded INS Jalashwa and the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Previously, he served as Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Western Naval Command and as Flag Officer Sea Training in Southern Naval Command. As the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area under Western Naval Command, he will oversee local naval defence operations, infrastructure projects, community outreach, and coastal security in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and state authorities.