Vice Admiral Reviews Eastern Naval Command Parade; Urges Constant Combat Readiness on 77th Republic Day

VISAKHAPATNAM, January 26, 2026 – Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), reviewed a grand ceremonial parade today to mark India’s 77th Republic Day.

Addressing the gathered personnel, the Commander-in-Chief lauded the participants for their exceptional turnout and the precision of their drill movements, citing them as a reflection of the high professional standards maintained by the force. He commended the Eastern Naval Command for sustaining an intense and unremitting operational tempo over the past year, ensuring a dominant presence in the strategic maritime theater.

During his address, Vice Admiral Bhalla emphasized the critical necessity for the Navy to remain operationally ready at all times to safeguard India’s vast maritime interests and ensure regional stability. He specifically highlighted the Command’s recent successes in various bilateral and multilateral naval exercises, which have bolstered international maritime cooperation.

Furthermore, the Admiral praised the force’s swift and effective execution of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, reinforcing the Indian Navy’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region and its commitment to the constitutional values of service and national security.