Admiral Joshi's resignation in keeping with tradition of service: Uday Bhaskar

He added that it also draws attention to the texture of India's higher defence management

Commenting on the resignation of Admiral D K Joshi from the post of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Maritime Expert Commodore (Rtd) Uday Bhaskar on Wednesday said Admiral Joshi's resignation is in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and added that it also draws attention to the texture of India's higher defence management.

"The resignation of Admiral D K Joshi is a grave development. It is very surprising looking at the sequence of events. But at the same time, it is in keeping with the highest traditions of the service wherein as the Naval Chief he has accepted the institutional responsibility," said Bhaskar.

"It reflects his resolve and his integrity. As the Chief of the Naval Staff, he has taken a moral responsibility, both for Sindhuratna and the culmination of a very challenging phase for the Navy that began from August last year," he added.

"But at same time, Admiral Joshi's resignation also draws attention to the texture of India's higher defence management," he said.

Earlier, taking moral responsibility for the accidents and incidents which have taken place during the past few months, Admiral DK Joshi had resigned from the post of CNS.

The Government has accepted the resignation of Admiral Joshi with immediate effect.

The Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral RK Dhowan will be discharging the duties of officiating CNS, pending appointment of regular CNS.

Earlier in the morning, seven sailors were injured and two officers are missing after an accident on board the Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhuratna off the Mumbai coast.

The submarine is headed back to the shore after it was forced to surface when smoke was detected on board.

The INS Sindhuratna was being sea tested after a refit, about 40 to 50 km off the Mumbai coast when the smoke was detected.