He is currently the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command

Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar will be India's next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will assume charge on November 30, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday night.

Currently the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, he will take over from the present Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh who will be retiring.

Born on April 12, 1962 Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar 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, the defence ministry said.

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 AtiVishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal(VSM).