A grand Passing Out Parade (POP) was conducted at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on 28 May 2026.

A total of 311 trainees, including 66 women trainees, passed out with distinction, marking the culmination of their ab initio military training. The passing out cohort included six trainees from three Friendly Foreign Countries – Seychelles, Tanzania, and Vietnam – two of whom were women trainees from Seychelles – reflecting the Academy’s expanding international footprint.

The Parade was reviewed by VAdm Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. VAdm Manish Chadha, Commandant INA, conducted the Reviewing Officer during the Ceremonial Parade. The parade was witnessed by senior military officers, distinguished guests, foreign Military Attaches and proud parents of passing out trainees.

During the Parade, the Reviewing Officer presented award and medals to meritorious trainees. The President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the 110th Indian Naval Academy Course was awarded to Midshipman Kuldeep Singh. Midshipman Udayveer Singh Negi received the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for being first in Overall order of merit among passing out ex NDA trainees. The CNS Gold Medals for the Trainees first in overall order merit in the 41st Naval Orientation Course (Extended) and 42nd Naval Orientation Course (Regular) were awarded to Cadet Janvi Chirag Mehta and Cadet Seema S Tendulkar respectively. The FOC in C (South) Trophy for best international trainee was awarded to Midshipmen Nguyen Van Hau from Vietnam. The Director General Coast Guard Trophy for Best Coast Guard Trainee was awarded to Cadet Sarvagya Mishra of the 42nd Naval Orientation (Coast Guard) Course.

During the Passing Out Parade of every term, the Squadron adjudged as the best performing Squadron across all disciplines of training and competitive events in that term is also awarded the Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner. The Reviewing Officer awarded the Champion Squadron Banner for Spring Term 2026 to Fighter Squadron.

The Reviewing Officer congratulated the passing out trainees on successful completion of their training at the Indian Naval Academy. He complimented the trainees for their impeccable turnout and very high standards of drill, reflecting of the high quality of their training. He commended the dedication of the instructors and training staff, while acknowledging the unwavering support of the parents. He emphasised the importance of integrating foreign trainees at ab-initio training stage, which builds bonds of lasting friendships at a young age and augurs well for the sustenance of international maritime cooperation.

Following the parade, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the Commandant INA, Parents and other dignitaries shipped the stripes of Sub Lieutenant rank on the passing out trainees. They interacted with the proud families who had assembled in large numbers to celebrate the successful completion of a rigorous training regime. The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to various Naval training establishments and frontline ships of the Indian Navy to further hone their professional competency.

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VM/SPS

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