Admiral Hari Kumar on Tuesday (November 30, 2021), has taken charge as 25th Chief of Naval Staff. He took over from Admiral Karambir Singh. The outgoing Chief served in the Navy for over 41 years and he was the Chief of the Naval Staff for 30 months.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Kumar said, “It is a great honour for me to assume the responsibilities of Chief of Naval Staff. I will focus on Indian interests and challenges.”
Admiral Hari Kumar is the first Navy Chief who hails from Kerala. Born in 1962, the new chief is a graduate from National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983. He has been decorated with various medals, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal.