Admiral Karambir Singh assumes charge as the new Navy Chief

NEW DELHI: Admiral Karambir Singh Friday assumed charge as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff. Admiral Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters.

He is also the first helicopter pilot from the Indian Navy to lead the naval armed forces. Having commanded missile corvette INS Vijaydurg, guided-missile destroyers INS Rana & INS Delhi during his almost 40-year career, he will be Navy chief till November 2021

"My predecessors made sure that Navy has a solid foundation and has reached new heights. It'll be my endeavour to continue with their efforts and provide the nation with a Navy that's strong, credible and ready to meet security challenge in maritime domain," he said.


He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai and has served as Directing Staff in both these institutions.

The appointment comes in the backdrop of the case initiated by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma to quash Admiral Singh's appointment. The Armed Forces Tribunal on Wednesday deferred the case for four weeks.

The Navy Chief had earlier served as flag officer commanding Maharashtra & Gujarat Naval Area, director-general of Project Seabird, deputy chief & vice-chief of naval staff, & Eastern Naval Command chief.