Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumed charge as COS of WNC on 01 April 2023. He was commissioned in Indian Navy on 01 January 1989. In a career spanning 34 years, he has held a number of specialist, staff and operational appointments, both afloat and ashore. After completing his Specialisation Course in Communication and Electronic Warfare, he did several appointments as a specialist onboard frontline ships. He subsequently had the privilege and opportunity of holding extremely challenging, fulfilling and eventful Commands at sea, which include, INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas and the coveted appointment of FOCEF. During his tenure as FOCEF, he was the Officer in Tactical Command for the prestigious President’s Fleet Review (PFR-22) and the sea phase of Indian Navy’s flagship multinational exercise MILAN-22 that witnessed an unprecedented participation from Friendly Foreign countries. Ashore, he has held important staff appointments at IHQ MoD (Navy), headed officers training at Naval Academy and has held a diplomatic assignment overseas. An alumnus of Royal College of Defence Studies, London, NWC, Goa and DSSC, Wellington, his educational accomplishments include M Phil (Defence and Strategic Studies), Masters in International Security and Strategic Studies from Kings College, London, M.Sc (Defence and Strategic Studies), Madras University and M.Sc (Telecom), from CUSAT. As recognition of continued performance of a high order, he has been awarded with Nau Sena Medal, Commendations by CNS and FOCINC and President's Silver Medal at Naval Academy. He enjoys reading, swimming and golf. The Flag Officer is married to Mrs Priya Bhalla who is an Educationalist and a certified yoga instructor. The couple have two children, daughter Aditee and son Viren.
