66 Women Cadets Shine as INA Graduates 311 Officers

In a colorful display of military tradition, the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala commissioned 311 officers during the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade. The batch included a record 66 women and six foreign cadets from Seychelles, Tanzania, and Vietnam, underscoring the academy’s expanding international profile. Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, Commandant of INA, coordinated the event while Vice Admiral Samir Saxena conducted the final review. Academic and professional excellence were celebrated through several awards. Midshipman Kuldeep Singh was presented the President’s Gold Medal for securing the top rank in the 110th course. Midshipman Udayveer Singh Negi received the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) Trophy for outstanding performance among ex-NDA trainees. Cadets Janvi Chirag Mehta and Seema S. Tendulkar earned Chief of Naval Staff Gold Medals, and Midshipman Nguyen Van Hau of Vietnam was recognized as the best overseas trainee. Cadet Sarvagya Mishra received the Director General Coast Guard Trophy for the best Coast Guard cadet. Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Saxena emphasized the strategic importance of training foreign officers alongside Indian cadets. He noted that such joint training fosters enduring friendships and enhances regional maritime security. The Fighter Squadron was awarded the Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner for its overall supremacy. After the ceremony, families joined officers for informal interactions before the graduates moved on to advanced training at various naval establishments and operational ships.