Ajit Kumar P

Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar AVSM, VSM is the current Vice Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. He assumed the office from Vice Admiral Karambir Singh on 30 October 2017.

Early life and education
He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Kazhakootam and National Defence Academy, Pune. He has also attended the Naval Higher Command Course and the Naval War College, Newport (2004).

Career
He was commissioned in the navy on 1 July 1981. He is considered a specialist in missiles and gunnery. He has commanded six ships including INS Kulish; INS Talwar; INS Mumbai and INS Mysore. He was deputed to the Mauritian Coast Guard on his first assignment where, over two and a half years, he commanded two patrol vessels. His staff assignments include Director Maritime Warfare Centre, Visakhapatnam; Commanding Officer of INS Dronacharya; Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Western Naval Command.

In September 2009, he was promoted to flag rank as a Rear Admiral. Subsequently, his assignments included Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resources Development) at IHQ of MoD; Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern fleet and Chief of Staff of Southern Naval Command. He was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral on 1 December 2013. As a Vice Admiral, he has served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (December 2013 to February 2016). During his tenure as the commandant, there was expansion of the academy and different naval schools across the country were shifted to the main campus at Ezhimala. He has also served as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy Planning & Force Development) at the HQ of MoD.

During his career, he has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his service.

Personal life
He and his Sunita Kumar have a daughter. He is interested in reading and yoga.