A grand Passing out Parade (POP) was conducted at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on November 29, 2025. A Total 232 trainees, comprising Midshipmen of the 109th Indian Naval Academy Course, cadets of 39th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), 40th Naval Orientation Course (Extended), 41th Naval Orientation Course (Regular and Coast Guard) and the 42nd Naval Orientation Course (Friendly Foreign Country), passed out with flying colours, marking the culmination of their ab-initio training. The passing-out cohort included 18 cadets from Seven friendly foreign nations (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, Myanmar, Mozambique, Seychelles) reflecting the Academy's growing international footprints.

The Parade was reviewed by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He congratulated the Midshipmen and cadets on their achievement during this ceremonial milestone. The Reviewing Officer was accompanied by Anupama Chauhan, President, Defence Wives Welfare Association. The event was also attended by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, Commandant INA, senior military Officers, and distinguished guests.

The following awards were presented to recognise outstanding achievements:

1. The President's Gold Medal for standing first in the Indian Naval Academy B.Tech Course was awarded to Midshipman Vishesh Kumar for his exceptional performance - underscoring INA's inclusive and world - class training ecosystem.
2. The Chief of the Naval Staff silver medal was awarded to Midshipman Shaurya Aditya Prajapati. The Commandant's Champion Squadron Banner was awarded to the Achiever Squadron for its exemplary performance across, academics, service subjects, outdoor training, drill, sports, and extracurricular activities.
3. Midshipman Sidhant Jakhar received the FOC-in-C (South) Trophy for securing the highest order of merit among ex NDA trainees.
4. The CNS Gold Medal for best in Naval Orientation Course (Extended) and the Commandant, Indian Naval Academy silver medal in Naval Orientation Course (Regular) were awarded to Cadet Hrishikesh V. Chaitanya and Cadet Satwik Dikshit respectively.
5. The Director General Coast Guard trophy was awarded to Cadet Ishan Shekhar.

The Chief of Defence Staff, complimented the trainees for their impeccable turnout and drill. He commended the dedication of the instructors and the training staff, while acknowledging the unwavering support of the parents. He emphasised the importance of integrating foreign trainees, which strengthened international military cooperation and highlights the Indian Navy's training excellence globally.

In conclusion of the parade, the Chief of Defence Staff, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Commandant, INA and other dignitaries shipped the stripes of the passing-out trainees. They interacted with the proud families who had assembled in large numbers to celebrate the successful completion of a rigorous training regime. The newly commissioned officers will now proceed to various Naval training establishments and frontline ships of the Indian Navy, to further hone their professional skills.