Indian Naval Academy holds autumn term 2025 passing out parade

The Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, held its Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Autumn Term 2025 on Saturday, marking the completion of initial training for 232 trainees. The cohort included Midshipmen of the 109th Indian Naval Academy Course and cadets from various Naval Orientation Courses, including 18 cadets from seven friendly foreign nations – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Seychelles – underscoring the academy’s expanding international engagement.

The parade was reviewed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who congratulated the Midshipmen and cadets for successfully completing their training. He was accompanied by Anupama Chauhan, President of the Defence Wives Welfare Association. Senior naval officers, including Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Southern Naval Command), and Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, Commandant of INA, were also present.

Several awards were presented for exemplary performance during training. Midshipman Vishesh Kumar received the President’s Gold Medal for securing the highest position in the B.Tech course. The Chief of the Naval Staff Silver Medal went to Midshipman Shaurya Aditya Prajapati, while the Achiever Squadron was awarded the Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner.

Midshipman Sidhant Jakhar received the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for topping among ex-NDA trainees. Cadet Hrishikesh V. Chaitanya won the CNS Gold Medal in the Naval Orientation Course (Extended), and Cadet Satwik Dikshit received the Commandant’s Silver Medal for the Naval Orientation Course (Regular). The Director General Coast Guard Trophy was awarded to Cadet Ishan Shekhar.

General Chauhan praised the high standards displayed during the parade and acknowledged the efforts of instructors and training staff. He also highlighted the significance of training foreign cadets, noting that such cooperation enhances international military ties and reflects the Indian Navy’s growing reputation as a training hub.

Following the parade, the stripes of the newly commissioned officers were ceremonially shipped by senior officers. Families of the trainees, who attended the event in large numbers, interacted with the dignitaries. The newly commissioned officers will now join various naval training establishments and frontline ships to continue their professional training.