Admiral R Hari Kumar Takes Charge As New Indian Navy Chief

Admiral R Hari Kumar on Tuesday (30 November) took charge as the new chief of the Indian Navy after incumbent Admiral Karambir Singh retired from service.

Admiral Kumar was serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command before taking the reins of the force.

Born on 12 April 1962, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar was commissioned on 1 January 1983 in to 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. Before taking over as FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, he was Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.

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.

He has been decorated with the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal (VSM).