Former Navy chief S.M. Nanda dead

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Former Indian Navy chief Admiral Sardari Mathradas Nanda, who commanded the force during 1971 India-Pakistan war, died here late Monday night. He was 94.

Nanda died at 11 p.m. Monday at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj here.

'He will be cremated at Brar Square crematorium at 4 p.m. today (Tuesday) with full military honours,' an Indian Navy official said.

He is survived by his wife and two sons besides grandchildren.

He commanded the Indian Navy during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and steered it to a resounding victory. The Pakistan Navy was humbled and the Indian Navy had complete control over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. He retired in 1973 after completing over 31 years of service.

Born in 1915, Nanda joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1941. He assumed the charge of the Indian Navy as the sixth chief of naval staff on Feb 28, 1970.

Since Independence in 1947, Nanda held a number of important appointments both ashore and afloat that gave him varied experience. In 1948, he joined the Navy's first cruiser INS Delhi in Britain as First Lieutenant. He later commanded the destroyer, INS Ranjit, as well as a frigate squadron.

Admiral Nanda was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for the distinguished service in 1966.