New Delhi, May 28: The Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala held a grand Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Spring Term of 2026 on Thursday. A total of 311 cadets, including 66 female trainees, completed their initial military training and graduated from the academy.
Among the graduating class were six international trainees from friendly nations: Seychelles, Tanzania, and Vietnam, which included two female cadets from Seychelles. This highlights the growing international collaboration and global outreach of the Indian Naval Academy.
Following the parade, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the Commandant of INA, and other dignitaries adorned the graduating cadets with Sub Lieutenant rank stripes. The newly commissioned officers then engaged with their families. They will now undergo further professional training at various Indian Navy training establishments and frontline warships.
During the ceremony, outstanding cadets were awarded various medals and trophies. Midshipman Kuldeep Singh received the President’s Gold Medal for securing the first position in the 110th Indian Naval Academy Course. Midshipman Udayveer Singh Negi was honored with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) Trophy for achieving the highest overall merit among previous NDA trainees.
Cadet Janvi Chirag Mehta was awarded the Navy Chief’s Gold Medal for securing the top position in the 41st Naval Orientation Course (Extended), while Cadet Seema S. Tendulkar received the same honor for the 42nd Naval Orientation Course (Regular).
Midshipman Nguyen Van Hau from Vietnam was recognized with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (South) Trophy for being the best foreign trainee. Cadet Sarvagya Mishra from the 42nd Naval Orientation (Coast Guard) Course received the Director General Coast Guard Trophy for being the best Coast Guard trainee.
As with every term, the best-performing squadron in various training and competitive activities was awarded the Commandant’s Champion Squadron Banner. The Fighter Squadron received this honor for the Spring Term 2026. In his address, Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena congratulated all cadets on successfully completing their training.
He praised the excellent discipline, impressive drill, and high-level training displayed during the parade. He also acknowledged the dedicated role of instructors and training staff, emphasizing the importance of parental support.
Vice Admiral Saxena noted that including foreign trainees at the initial training level plays a crucial role in strengthening long-term friendships and maritime cooperation between nations. The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.
Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, conducted the review during the ceremony, which was attended by senior military officials, distinguished guests, military attachés from various countries, and a large number of parents of the trainees.
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