Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture 2026

The National Maritime Foundation hosted the Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture on 16 February 2026, commemorating the life and legacy of Late Vice Admiral Kewal Krishan Nayyar, PVSM, AVSM — a distinguished naval leader and maritime thinker whose contributions continue to shape India’s strategic consciousness.

The event was opened by Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Chairman, National Maritime Foundation and former Chief of the Naval Staff, who delivered welcome remarks anchored in legacy, service, and strategic thought.

Inaugural Address

The Inaugural Address was delivered by Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

In his address titled “A Salute to a Life of Service,” the Chief of the Naval Staff honoured Vice Admiral Nayyar’s enduring legacy of selfless service in and beyond uniform. He underscored the Indian Navy’s dual roles of guardianship and stewardship — safeguarding national maritime interests through sustained operational deployments, multinational engagements, and operations such as Op Sindoor, while advancing indigenous shipbuilding and maritime capability development.

The Chief highlighted that over fifty ships are currently under construction, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production. He also emphasised the Navy’s investments in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum systems, and enhanced maritime domain awareness, as essential pillars of future readiness.

Stating that India stands at a defining maritime moment, he reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to secure the seas, strengthen self-reliance, and contribute to national growth in alignment with the vision of a developed India.

Memorial Lecture

The Memorial Lecture was delivered by Shri NR Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys.

Shri Murthy paid tribute to Vice Admiral Nayyar’s exemplary leadership and reflected on the foundational values that underpin strong institutions. He emphasised integrity, discipline, transparency, and trust as essential pillars of sustainable organisational growth.

Drawing lessons from the defence services, he underscored the importance of values-based leadership, meritocracy, professionalism, and long-term vision in building resilient institutions capable of advancing national development.

The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed appreciation for Shri Murthy’s contributions as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, and thanked him for delivering a lecture that bridged technology, strategy, and national purpose.

Book Release

During the event, the book Quantum Era Warfare, authored by Commodore Manish Sinha (Retd) and Mr Atul Tripathi, was formally released. The publication contributes to the evolving discourse on emerging technologies and the future character of warfare.

Tribute and Reflections

Mr Ashok Nayyar, son of Late Vice Admiral KK Nayyar, shared personal reflections on his father’s life of service, intellect, and institution-building — offering a moving tribute to a maritime visionary whose legacy continues to guide India’s strategic thought.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a memento to Shri Narayana Murthy by the Chief of the Naval Staff, followed by a group photograph. Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM (Retd), Director-General, National Maritime Foundation, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Shri Murthy, distinguished guests, and participants for making the occasion meaningful and impactful.