Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) Former Navy chief Admiral JG Nadkarni died here today after battling thyroid cancer.

He was 86.

The 14th Navy chief died at the INHS Asvini naval hospital in Colaba area, a Defence spokesperson said.

Nadkarni, PVSM AVSM NM VSM (Retd.), was the Chief of the Naval Staff from December 1, 1987 to November 30, 1990.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed condolences on the passing away of Admiral Nadkarni.

"He participated in the Liberation of Goa and played a stellar role in the India-Pakistan War 1965 and in 1971," she tweeted.

His last rites will be performed at Pune tomorrow, the spokesperson said.

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