NK
Indian Navy Admiral

Nilakanta Krishnan

Born 1 January 1919 · verify — Died 1 January 1982

Led Eastern Naval Command to decisive victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan, PVSM, DSC, was a former flag officer in the Indian Navy. He was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Nilakanta Krishnan was the first officer in the Royal Indian Navy to receive the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II for directly capturing an enemy gunboat in 1941.

The Story

1
⚓ In August 1941, aboard the survey ship HMIS Investigator during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, Nilakanta Krishnan engaged in a firefight to capture an Iranian gunboat, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, the first awarded to the Royal Indian Navy.
2
In 1951, Krishnan commanded the 31st minesweeping squadron and later led INS Tir to represent India at the Coronation Fleet Review in the UK, highlighting early Indian naval presence on the global stage.
3🚢 On 16 April 1963, he became the second commanding officer of INS Vikrant, Asia's only aircraft carrier at the time, and led it through joint exercises with Commonwealth navies and the Indian Army, demonstrating operational naval power.
4As Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command in 1971, Krishnan devised a clever naval strategy to lure the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi into Visakhapatnam harbor, resulting in its destruction and securing Indian naval dominance in the Bay of Bengal.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Param Vishisht Seva Medal

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1941, Krishnan personally led the capture of an Iranian gunboat during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, a rare decoration for Indian naval officers at that time.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
Nilakanta Krishnan was born into a Tamil Brahmin family in Nagercoil, then part of British India.
1919
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Career
Joined Training Ship Dufferin
Krishnan began his naval career by joining the Training Ship Dufferin, where he trained alongside contemporaries like Jal Cursetji.
1935
⚡
Career
Captured Iranian Gunboat
During the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, Krishnan engaged in combat to capture an Iranian gunboat, earning the Distinguished Service Cross.
1941
⚡
Career
Commanded 31st minesweeping squadron
Upon returning to India, Krishnan took command of the 31st minesweeping squadron and later led INS Tir to the Coronation Fleet Review.
1951
⚡
Career
Commanded INS Delhi during Goa Annexation
Krishnan commanded INS Delhi in naval operations during India's Annexation of Goa from Portuguese control.
1961
⚡
Career
Became CO of INS Vikrant
Krishnan took command of INS Vikrant, Asia's only aircraft carrier at the time, leading it through operational exercises.
1963
⚡
Career
Commanded Eastern Naval Command in war
As Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command, Krishnan orchestrated naval strategies during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
1971
🕊️
Death
Death in Hyderabad
Vice Admiral Nilakanta Krishnan passed away in Hyderabad at age 62.
1982
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Krishnan commanded INS Tir during the 1953 Coronation Fleet Review in England, marking one of the early instances of Indian naval representation in a major British Commonwealth maritime event.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was the second commanding officer of INS Vikrant, which was Asia's only aircraft carrier in the early 1960s, and led it through complex joint exercises involving the Indian Army and Commonwealth navies.

03 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Krishnan's strategic acumen during the 1971 war tricked the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi into Visakhapatnam, where it was destroyed, preventing a serious threat to Indian naval assets.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Vice Admiral N. Krishnan Autobiography A Sailors Story Book Launch Amala Akkineni & Arjun Krishnan

🌱 What changed because of them

Krishnan's innovative naval tactics during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, including neutralizing the PNS Ghazi, established the Eastern Naval Command as a critical strategic asset for India. His leadership helped evolve India’s carrier-based naval capabilities, setting operational standards for INS Vikrant that influenced future Indian naval doctrine and regional maritime security policies. His roles in defense diplomacy and personnel management also strengthened institutional frameworks within the Indian Navy.

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