: Mumbai, 1^st August 2026

Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke, VSM took over Command of Maharashtra Naval Area from Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM on 31 Jul 26.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1993, the Flag Officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Naval War College, Goa. He has held key afloat and shore appointments including Command of Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa, and Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant (as the commissioning Commanding Officer).

On promotion to Flag Rank, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Western Naval Command, Mumbai and Flag Officer Sea Training in Southern Naval Command, Kochi.

As the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area under the aegis of Western Naval Command, the Flag Officer will undertake and oversee local naval defence operations, administration aspects, infrastructure projects, community engagement/ outreach activities, and coastal defence and security of the Maharashtra state in coordination with sister services, Indian Coast Guard and state civil administration.

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Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor

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