New Delhi: The Government has appointed Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, 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, 2021.

The present Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, retires from service on November 30, 2021.

Born on April 12, 1962 Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar PVSM, AVSM, VSM was commissioned on January 1, 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 Staff Committee of HQ IDS.

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 (PVSM), the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal(VSM).