NEW DELHI, Aug. 2 -- Vice Admiral AN Pramod, who played a key role in planning Operation Sindoor and led the Indian Navy's response during the West Asia crisis, on Saturday assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, the navy said. He served as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) between December 2023 and July 2026. "As DGNO, he was closely involved in the planning, preparedness, and operational readiness of the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor and conduct of maritime security operations during the ongoing West Asia crisis," the navy said on Saturday. Pramod succeeded Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who completed his tenure and retired on July 31. An alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course, Naval Academy, Goa, Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1990. A Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist, he is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, Goa. In a distinguished career spanning over 36 years, he has held a wide range of command and staff appointments, the navy said....