Cmde Ajay Chitnis takes over as President IMF from Capt Anand Dixit
Cmde Ajay Chitnis, SC, NM(G) took over as the President Indian Maritime Foundation from Capt Anand Dixit on 15 January 2026 at a simple ceremony with several other IMF Council Members in attendance. Capt Dixit had been at the helm of affairs of the IMF for just over six years (since 07 Jan 2020). During his very successful and eventful tenure as President, Capt Dixit had continued to promote the rich legacy left by the late Cmde Rajan Vir, Founder President of the IMF in spreading maritime awareness and constantly striven to meet the emerging challenges. Capt Dixit will continue to play an important mentorship role in the IMF.
Cmde Chitnis has served in both the Indian Navy as well as the Mercantile Marine, with a number of achievements to his credit. A naval aviator by profession, he specialised in flying Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopters such as the Alouette and Kamov 25 and has clocked over 3000 hours of operational flying by day and night, with over 700 deck landings on frigates and destroyers. Unlike conventional aircraft, which land on long runways, landing a helicopter on the small deck of a moving warship, often in rough weather, with clearances ahead just a few feet, is amongst the most challenging of flying operations. He has also commanded three frontline warships and an operational air station. He is the recipient of two gallantry awards – Shaurya Chakra (SC) and Nao Sena Medal (NM) from the President of India. Cmde Chitnis retired from the Indian Navy in 2001 after completing 30 years of distinguished service.
Post-retirement, he specialized in marine operations in the oilfields off the West and East Coasts of India. He is also a visiting faculty at the Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Prior to taking over as the President, Cmde Chitnis was the Vice President of the IMF. He is also an active Rotarian and served as the President of the Rotary Club of Pune Central in 2023.
On taking over, Cmde Chitnis outlined three focus areas to further strengthen the IMF. These were:-
- First, strengthening maritime awareness at all levels – among policy makers, students, industry leaders and the wider public.
- Second, deepening integration between the sea services, industry and academia.
- Third, building up on the doctrine of India’s evolving maritime vision SAGAR( Security and Growth for all in the Region), to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across regions), by reaching out to similar organisations overseas.
Following the formal handing/taking over, all the IMF Council Members present thanked Capt Anand Dixit for his years of dedicated service to the IMF and also wished Cmde Chitnis the very best in all his endeavours as the President, assuring him of their continued support and cooperation in taking the IMF to even greater heights.
A few photos of the event are attached.
