New Delhi: Vice-Admiral Srikant died Tuesday morning at the base hospital here due to COVID-19-related complications, officials said. Vice-Admiral Srikant the Navy’s senior-most submariner, was due to retire December 31.
Expressing his condolences, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Deeply pained at the untimely and sudden demise of Director General Seabird, Vice-Admiral Srikant. The Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy will always remember his stellar contributions and remarkable service to the nation. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and friends. Om Shanti!”
Srikant was admitted at the base hospital here after he contracted COVID-19, said a junior Navy officer who had worked under him. Subsequently, the vice-admiral tested had negative for COVID-19 Sunday morning, but developed breathing difficulties by evening, the officer said. “”He was shifted to ICU and was subsequently put on a ventilator,” the officer mentioned. “However, despite all attempts, he died Tuesday morning,” he added.
Previously, Sriknat had held charge as Inspector General of Nuclear Safety and Commandant of the National Defence College, officials said.