New Delhi: Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Flag Officer Command- in-chief of the Western Naval Command took charge as the new Chief of Naval Staff after incumbent Admiral Karambir Singh retired from the service.
Born in 1962, Kumar was commissioned in 1983 in the executive branch in the Indian Navy. During his nearly 39 years of service, he has served at different portfolios of command, staff, and instructional appointments.
In October 2014, Admiral Kumar took charge of the western fleet, and while serving as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, he was promoted to be the Vice-Admiral.
Admiral Kumar’s commands include INS Nishank, missile corvette INS Kora and guided-missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. He also commanded the Indian aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
Before taking charge of the Western Naval Command, Admiral Kumar also served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC).
Admiral Kumar was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) in January 2021 for his service in CISC, the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2016, and Vishist Seva Medal(VSM) in 2010.
He graduated from National Defence Academy (NDA) in 1981 and attended the Naval Staff course at the US Naval War College in New Port. He later did his graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University and post-graduation from King's College London.
Admiral Kumar also holds an M.Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Mumbai. He was appointed as the next Chief of Naval Staff by the Government of India on November 9, 2021.