New Delhi: Admiral R Hari Kumar on Tuesday took charge as the new chief of Naval Staff (CNS) after incumbent Admiral Karambir Singh retired from the service. He also received a guard of honour at the South Block lawns in Delhi.
“It is a matter of great honour for me to take charge as the Chief of Naval Staff. Indian navy focus would be on national security and maritime challenges. I will put my energy focused on it. My predecessors have guided the navy and I will also try to build upon their accomplishments and achievements.” said Kumar during the event.
Speaking on the occasion retiring Admiral KB Singh said, “I last 30 months crisis of Covid and Galwan. The navy did its best to deal with the crisis. Navy looked outward always available to help citizens and the nation.”
Born on April 12, 1962, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar was commissioned on January 1, 1983, into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
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.
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