Asked about the delay in appointing the new chief, they said under normal circumstances, the process is completed in four to five months before the due date of appointment.
They expressed hope that by end of March or early April, a decision would have been taken on the matter.
Due to delay in appointment of the new chief, the Navy Senior Commanders' Conference is also on hold and visits by foreign dignitaries has been postponed, Navy officials said.
Had Joshi retired after completing his three-year tenure in 2015-end, Vice Admiral Soni would have been the next Navy chief as per the line of succession.
