Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu AVSM, NM
Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, Indian Navy
Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, is a distinguished marine engineer and senior flag officer of the Indian Navy, with over 38 years of exemplary service spanning naval engineering, warship design, advanced technology programmes and indigenous shipbuilding. He was commissioned into the Engineering Branch of the Indian Navy on 5 November 1987. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies.
During his distinguished career, Vice Admiral Sadhu has held several key appointments across the spectrum of naval operations and engineering management. His experience includes service onboard an aircraft carrier and frontline frigates, appointments at Naval Dockyards, and service with the Warship Overseeing Team in Russia. At Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, he has held leadership responsibilities in the Marine Engineering, Design and Aircraft Carrier Project Directorates, contributing to the advancement of the Indian Navy's engineering capabilities and indigenous warship development.
As a Rear Admiral, he held the rare distinction of serving as Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at both the Eastern and Western Naval Commands, and as Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard at Visakhapatnam. Following his promotion to Vice Admiral, he served as Programme Director of the Advanced Technology Vessel Programme, a significant strategic initiative of the Indian Navy.
In his present appointment as Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, Vice Admiral Sadhu oversees the Indian Navy's warship and submarine production programmes. His responsibilities encompass the management of complex shipbuilding projects, coordination with shipyards and industry, and the delivery of advanced naval platforms to meet the Navy's evolving operational requirements. His leadership contributes to strengthening indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, advancing technological self-reliance and enhancing India's maritime strength.
His career reflects the critical role of marine engineering, technological innovation and effective programme management in building and sustaining a modern navy. His extensive experience—from frontline ships and dockyard management to strategic submarine programmes and large-scale warship production—provides him with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of naval engineering and maritime technology.
In recognition of his distinguished service to the nation, Vice Admiral Sadhu has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nao Sena Medal (NM) by the President of India. He has also received commendations from the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officers Commanding-in-Chief, recognising his professional contributions and dedicated service.
With his extensive experience in naval engineering, advanced technology programmes and indigenous warship and submarine construction, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu brings valuable insight to discussions on engineering excellence, maritime innovation and the future of naval capability development. His distinguished career and leadership make him a fitting keynote speaker for INEC 2026.
