Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, has taken over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command on October 31, 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral V Srinivas. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Vice Admiral Saxena is a specialist in Navigation and Direction, having held various key operational and strategic positions within the Indian Navy. His previous roles include commanding the Western Fleet and serving as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Policy and Plans. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, underscoring his commitment to enhancing naval capabilities and international cooperation. This leadership transition reflects India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its maritime strategy and operational readiness in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.