Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar appointed as next Chief of Naval Staff

New Delhi, November 20: In a key development, the central government has appointed Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, presently serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, will take the reins of the Indian Navy on November 30 when the incumbent Admiral Karambir Singh retires from service.

 

 

"The government have appointed Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, presently Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from the afternoon of November 30," the ministry said in a statement.

 

With the eyes of the world on the Indian Ocean and given India’s objective of being a net security provider in the region, Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar will be exposed to many new responsibilities as well as challenges as the new Navy chief.

 

At a time when the Indian Navy is moving towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat as part of 75 years of Indian Independence, Admiral R. Hari Kumar will be seen at a variety of commands, especially those of Project – 75, which includes the construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. The fourth submarine of Project 75- 'Vela' was delivered to the Indian Navy on November 9. The submarine would soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy.

 

Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar was commissioned on 1st January 1983 into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff, and Instructional appointments.

 

Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar’s Sea Command includes INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora, and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. He also commanded Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Viraat. He served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.

 

Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar has undergone courses at the Naval War College, US, Army War College, Mhow, and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar has been decorated with the Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and Vishist Seva Medal.

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