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{{Short description|Retired Indian navy admiral}}
{{For|the politician|Karambir Singh Ghuman}}
{{For|the politician|Karambir Singh Ghuman}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
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| alt          =  
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| caption      = Singh as the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] in 2019
| caption      = Official portrait, 2019
| office = 24th [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]
| office = 24th [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]
| term_start = 31 May 2019
| term_start = 31 May 2019
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'''[[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]''' '''Karambir Singh''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]] (born 3 November 1959), is a former flag officer of [[Indian Navy]], who served as the 24th [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] (CNS). The "Grey Eagle" (senior-most serving naval aviator)<ref>{{cite web |title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM, assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsmassumed-charge-deputy-chief-naval-staff |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> of the Navy, he replaced Admiral [[Sunil Lanba]] as the CNS after his retirement on 31 May 2019.<ref name="dcns">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsmassumed-charge-deputy-chief-naval-staff|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh Assumed Charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff|access-date=23 March 2019|author=PIB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Admiral Karambir Singh Sworn In As Chief Of Naval Staff |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-admiral-karambir-singh-sworn-in-as-chief-of-naval-staff/331275 |work=Outlook |date=31 May 2019}}</ref> Prior to his ascension, Admiral Singh served as the [[Vice Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]] and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, [[Eastern Naval Command]].
'''[[Admiral (India)|Admiral]]''' '''Karambir Singh''', [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], [[Aide-de-camp|ADC]] (born 3 November 1959), is a former flag officer of [[Indian Navy]], who served as the 24th [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] (CNS). The "Grey Eagle" (senior-most serving naval aviator)<ref>{{cite web |title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM, assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsmassumed-charge-deputy-chief-naval-staff |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref> of the Navy, he replaced Admiral [[Sunil Lanba]] as the CNS after his retirement on 31 May 2019.<ref name="dcns">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsmassumed-charge-deputy-chief-naval-staff|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh Assumed Charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff|access-date=23 March 2019|author=PIB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Admiral Karambir Singh Sworn In As Chief Of Naval Staff |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-admiral-karambir-singh-sworn-in-as-chief-of-naval-staff/331275 |work=Outlook |date=31 May 2019}}</ref> Prior to his appointment, Admiral Singh served as the [[Vice Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]] and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, [[Eastern Naval Command]].


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
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== Career ==
== Career ==
[[File:CDS General Bipin Rawat with COAS General Manoj Mukund Naravane, CNS Admiral Karambir Singh and CAS Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria after the ceremonial Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on January 01, 2020.jpg|thumb|CDS General Bipin Rawat with COAS General Manoj Mukund Naravane, CNS Admiral Karambir Singh and CAS Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria after the ceremonial Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on January 01, 2020]]
[[File:CDS General Bipin Rawat with COAS General Manoj Mukund Naravane, CNS Admiral Karambir Singh and CAS Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria after the ceremonial Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on January 01, 2020.jpg|thumb|[[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|CDS]] [[General (India)|General]] [[Bipin Rawat]] with [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|COAS]] [[General (India)|General]] [[Manoj Mukund Naravane]], [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|CNS]] [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] Karambir Singh and [[Chief of the Air Staff (India)|CAS]] [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[R. K. S. Bhadauria|R.K.S. Bhadauria]] after the ceremonial Guard of Honour, in [[New Delhi]] on January 1, 2020]]
[[File:Admiral Sunil Lanba the Chief of the Naval Staff being received by Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-Chief ENC.jpg|thumb|Admiral Sunil Lanba the Chief of the Naval Staff being received by Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-Chief ENC]]
[[File:Admiral Sunil Lanba the Chief of the Naval Staff being received by Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-Chief ENC.jpg|thumb|Admiral [[Sunil Lanba]] the Chief of the Naval Staff being received by Vice Adm. Karambir Singh FOC-in-Chief ENC]]
[[File:Indian Navy Vice Admiral Karambir Singh visits INS Sahyadri off the coast of Hawaii (2).jpg|thumb|Indian Navy Vice Admiral Karambir Singh visits INS Sahyadri off the coast of Hawaii ]]
[[File:Indian Navy Vice Admiral Karambir Singh visits INS Sahyadri off the coast of Hawaii (2).jpg|thumb|Indian Navy Vice Admiral Karambir Singh visits [[INS Sahyadri]] off the coast of Hawaii]]
He was commissioned into the [[Indian Navy]] in July 1980 and earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1982. He has extensive experience with the [[HAL Chetak]], [[Kamov Ka-25]] and [[Kamov Ka-27|Kamov Ka-28]] helicopters.<ref name="dcns" />
He was commissioned into the [[Indian Navy]] in July 1980 and earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1982. He has extensive experience with the [[HAL Chetak]], [[Kamov Ka-25]] and [[Kamov Ka-27|Kamov Ka-28]] helicopters.<ref name="dcns" />


Singh has commanded the Coast Guard ship [[Jija Bai-class patrol vessel|ICGS ''Chand Bibi'']], the corvette [[INS Vijaydurg (K71)|INS ''Vijaydurg'']], and the guided missile destroyers [[INS Rana (D52)|INS ''Rana'']] and [[INS Delhi (D61)|INS ''Delhi'']]. He also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]]. Ashore, he served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. He was also a member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation Board (AIRCATS).<ref name="VCNS">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsm-assumes-charge-vice-chief-naval-staff|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff|date=31 May 2016|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=8 June 2016|author=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref name="ENC" />
Singh has commanded the [[Jija Bai-class patrol vessel]] of the [[Indian Coast Guard]] ICGS ''Chand Bibi'' and the [[lead ship]] of [[Durg-class corvette|her-class]] of corvettes {{ship|INS|Vijaydurg|K71}} and the [[Rajput-class destroyer|Rajput-class]] [[guided missile destroyer]] {{ship|INS|Rana|D52}}. He was in command of the ''Rana'' during the [[President's fleet review|Review of the Fleet]] by the [[President of India]] [[Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] in 2005. During the review, ''Rana'' served as the [[flag ship]] of the [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] [[Sanjeev Bhasin]]. He subsequently commanded the lead ship of [[Delhi-class destroyer|her-class]] of guided missile destroyers, {{ship|INS|Delhi|D61}}.
 
In his staff appointments, he served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] and served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff. He also served as the Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. He was also a member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation Board (AIRCATS).<ref name="VCNS">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-avsm-assumes-charge-vice-chief-naval-staff|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff|date=31 May 2016|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=8 June 2016|author=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref name="ENC" />


===Flag rank===
===Flag rank===
On promotion to flag rank, Singh was appointed as the Chief of Staff, [[Eastern Naval Command]]. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman & Nicobar Islands and as the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG).<ref name="ENC" /> As the Director General of [[INS Kadamba|Project Seabird]], he stewarded the development of the Navy's new base at Karwar. He went on serve as the [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff]], following which he was appointed as Vice Chief of Naval Staff.<ref name="VCNS" />
On promotion to flag rank, Singh was appointed the Chief of Staff, [[Eastern Naval Command]]. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman & Nicobar Islands and as the [[Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area|Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area]] (FOMAG).<ref name="ENC" /> As the [[Director General Project Seabird]], he stewarded the development of the Navy's new base at Karwar. He went on serve as the [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff]], following which he was appointed as Vice Chief of Naval Staff.<ref name="VCNS" />


He assumed office of the [[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]] on 31 October 2017, succeeding Vice Admiral [[Harish Bisht]].<ref name="ENC" /> In a career spanning close to 39 years, he has been awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|Param Vishist Seva Medal]] and the [[Ati Vishist Seva Medal]].<ref name="pvsm">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1517875|website=www.pib.nic.in|title=390 Republic Day Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced|language=en|access-date=2018-01-26|author=PIB}}</ref>
He assumed office of the [[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]] on 31 October 2017, succeeding Vice Admiral [[Harish Bisht]].<ref name="ENC" /> In a career spanning close to 39 years, he has been awarded the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|Param Vishist Seva Medal]] and the [[Ati Vishist Seva Medal]].<ref name="pvsm">{{cite web|url=http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1517875|website=www.pib.nic.in|title=390 Republic Day Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced|language=en|access-date=2018-01-26|author=PIB}}</ref>


On 23 March 2019, the [[Government of India]] named him [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]], superseding [[Vice Admiral]] [[Bimal Verma]]. He is the first helicopter pilot to have served as Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy.<ref name="theprint">{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-is-new-navy-chief-supersedes-vice-admiral-bimal-verma/210645/|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Navy Chief|author=Snehesh Alex Philip|access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="theWeek">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/03/23/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-is-new-chief-of-naval-staff.html|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Chief of Naval Staff|author=Pradip R Sagar|access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref>
On 23 March 2019, the [[Government of India]] named him the [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]], superseding [[Vice Admiral]] [[Bimal Verma]]. He is the first helicopter pilot to have served as Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy.<ref name="theprint">{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-is-new-navy-chief-supersedes-vice-admiral-bimal-verma/210645/|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Navy Chief|author=Snehesh Alex Philip|website=[[ThePrint]] |access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="theWeek">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/03/23/vice-admiral-karambir-singh-is-new-chief-of-naval-staff.html|title=Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Chief of Naval Staff|author=Pradip R Sagar|website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref>


He superannuated on 30 November 2021, and was succeeded as Chief of Naval Staff by [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] [[R. Hari Kumar]].<ref name="cns-new">{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1770412|title=Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff|publisher=PIB|date=2021-11-09}}</ref>
He superannuated on 30 November 2021, and was succeeded as Chief of Naval Staff by [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] [[R. Hari Kumar]].<ref name="cns-new">{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1770412|title=Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff|publisher=PIB|date=2021-11-09}}</ref>


=== Bi-lateral visits as CNS ===
=== Bilateral visits as CNS ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Country
!Country
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==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|COLSPAN=4|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=IN Pilot.png|width=150}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|COLSPAN=4|[[Indian Navy ranks and insignia#Specialisation Badges|Pilot badge]]
|-
|-
|[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|Param Vishist Seva Medal]]
|[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|Param Vishist Seva Medal]]
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|
|
|}
|}
Singh was conferred with the [[Order of the Rising Sun]], Gold and Silver Star of [[Japan]] on 29 April 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00972.html|title=2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations (English)|date=2023-04-29|access-date=2023-06-06|website=www.in.emb-japan.go.jp}}</ref> as a part of the 2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations. He was conferred the order in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the relationship between Japan and India on national defense.


==References==
==References==
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{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Major general (India)|Major General]] N. P. Padhi}}
{{s-ttl | title = Chief of Staff, [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] | years =  2011 - 2012}}
{{s-aft | after =  [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]] Sudhir Pillai }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Bimal Verma]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area|Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area]] | years =  2012 - 2013}}
{{s-aft | after = [[G Ashok Kumar|G. Ashok Kumar]] }}
{{s-bef | before = C. S. Murthy}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Director General Project Seabird]] | years = 2013 - 2015}}
{{s-aft | after = [[Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar]]}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Rama Kant Pattanaik]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 2015 - 2016}}
{{s-aft | after = [[G Ashok Kumar|G. Ashok Kumar]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Parasurama Naidu Murugesan]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 31 May 2016 – 30 October 2017}}
{{s-aft | after = [[Ajit Kumar (naval officer)|Ajit Kumar]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Harish Bisht]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]] | years = 31 October 2017 – 30 May 2019}}
{{s-aft | after = [[Atul Kumar Jain]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Sunil Lanba]]}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Sunil Lanba]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 31 May 2019 - 30 November 2021}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 31 May 2019 - 30 November 2021}}
{{s-aft | after = [[R. Hari Kumar]] }}
{{s-aft | after = [[R. Hari Kumar]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Harish Bisht]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]] | years = 31 October 2017 – 30 May 2019}}
{{s-aft | after = [[Atul Kumar Jain]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Parasurama Naidu Murugesan]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 31 May 2016 – 30 October 2017}}
{{s-aft | after = [[Ajit Kumar (naval officer)|Ajit Kumar]] }}
{{s-bef | before = [[Rama Kant Pattanaik]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of Naval Staff]] | years = 2015-2016}}
{{s-aft | after = [[G Ashok Kumar|G. Ashok Kumar]] }}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Karambir}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Karambir}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Indian naval aviators]]
[[Category:Chiefs of the Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Chiefs of the Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Vice Chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Vice chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Deputy Chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Deputy chiefs of Naval Staff (India)]]
[[Category:Indian Navy admirals]]
[[Category:Directors General Project Seabird]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:National Defence Academy (India) alumni]]
[[Category:National Defence Academy (India) alumni]]
[[Category:Indian naval aviators]]
[[Category:Defence Services Staff College alumni]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the Defence Services Staff College]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Naval War College, Goa]]
[[Category:Flag Officers Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area]]

Latest revision as of 17:21, 22 October 2025


For the politician, see Karambir Singh Ghuman.

Admiral
Karambir Singh
PVSM AVSM ADC
Official portrait, 2019
24th Chief of the Naval Staff
In office
31 May 2019 – 30 November 2021[1]
PresidentRam Nath Kovind
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded bySunil Lanba
Succeeded byR. Hari Kumar
33rd Vice Chief of the Naval Staff
In office
31 May 2016 – 30 October 2017
PresidentRam Nath Kovind
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
Preceded byParasurama Naidu Murugesan
Succeeded byAjit Kumar P
Personal details
Born (1959-11-03) 3 November 1959 (age 66)[2]
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Alma materNational Defence Academy (BTech)
Defence Services Staff College (MSc)
Awards
Nickname(s)"KB"
Military service
Allegiance India
Branch/service Indian Navy
Years of serviceJune 1980 - November 2021
Rank Admiral
Commands
Service number02151-N

Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC (born 3 November 1959), is a former flag officer of Indian Navy, who served as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The "Grey Eagle" (senior-most serving naval aviator)[3] of the Navy, he replaced Admiral Sunil Lanba as the CNS after his retirement on 31 May 2019.[4][5] Prior to his appointment, Admiral Singh served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Born on 3 November 1959 in Jalandhar, Punjab, Admiral Singh is a second generation military officer.[2] He attended the Barnes School in Deolali, before joining the 56th course of the National Defence Academy, where he was in the Hunter Squadron.[6] He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.[7]

Career[edit | edit source]

CDS General Bipin Rawat with COAS General Manoj Mukund Naravane, CNS Admiral Karambir Singh and CAS Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria after the ceremonial Guard of Honour, in New Delhi on January 1, 2020
Admiral Sunil Lanba the Chief of the Naval Staff being received by Vice Adm. Karambir Singh FOC-in-Chief ENC
Indian Navy Vice Admiral Karambir Singh visits INS Sahyadri off the coast of Hawaii

He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980 and earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1982. He has extensive experience with the HAL Chetak, Kamov Ka-25 and Kamov Ka-28 helicopters.[4]

Singh has commanded the Jija Bai-class patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard ICGS Chand Bibi and the lead ship of her-class of corvettes INS Vijaydurg (K71) and the Rajput-class guided missile destroyer INS Rana (D52). He was in command of the Rana during the Review of the Fleet by the President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in 2005. During the review, Rana served as the flag ship of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin. He subsequently commanded the lead ship of her-class of guided missile destroyers, INS Delhi (D61).

In his staff appointments, he served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet and served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff. He also served as the Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. He was also a member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation Board (AIRCATS).[8][7]

Flag rank[edit | edit source]

On promotion to flag rank, Singh was appointed the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman & Nicobar Islands and as the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG).[7] As the Director General Project Seabird, he stewarded the development of the Navy's new base at Karwar. He went on serve as the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, following which he was appointed as Vice Chief of Naval Staff.[8]

He assumed office of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command on 31 October 2017, succeeding Vice Admiral Harish Bisht.[7] In a career spanning close to 39 years, he has been awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal.[9]

On 23 March 2019, the Government of India named him the Chief of Naval Staff, superseding Vice Admiral Bimal Verma. He is the first helicopter pilot to have served as Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy.[10][11]

He superannuated on 30 November 2021, and was succeeded as Chief of Naval Staff by Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar.[1]

Bilateral visits as CNS[edit | edit source]

Country Date Purpose Reference
 Australia 2–6 September 2019 Bilateral discussions and pacific strategic dialogue. [12]
 New Zealand
 Bangladesh 21–24 September 2019 Consolidate and enhance the bilateral maritime relations between India and Bangladesh, with a focus on the Bay of Bengal. [13]
 Sri Lanka 19–22 December 2019 To enhance the bilateral maritime relations in the Indian Ocean Region. [14]

Awards and decorations[edit | edit source]

Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Template:Ribbon devices/alt Template:Ribbon devices/alt
Pilot badge
Param Vishist Seva Medal Ati Vishist Seva Medal Samanya Seva Medal Operation Vijay Medal
Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal 30 Years Long Service Medal
20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

Singh was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star of Japan on 29 April 2023[15] as a part of the 2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations. He was conferred the order in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the relationship between Japan and India on national defense.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar to be the next Chief of the Naval Staff". PIB. 9 November 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Karambir Singh to be Next Chief of Naval Staff". The Economic Times. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  3. ↑ "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM, assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff | Indian Navy". www.indiannavy.nic.in.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 PIB. "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh Assumed Charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff". Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  5. ↑ "Admiral Karambir Singh Sworn In As Chief Of Naval Staff". Outlook. 31 May 2019.
  6. ↑ news18.com (23 March 2019). "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh to be Next Chief of Naval Staff". Retrieved 23 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 PIB. "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC". pib.nic.in. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Indian Navy (31 May 2016). "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff". Indian Navy. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  9. ↑ PIB. "390 Republic Day Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced". www.pib.nic.in. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  10. ↑ Snehesh Alex Philip. "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Navy Chief". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  11. ↑ Pradip R Sagar. "Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is new Chief of Naval Staff". The Week. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  12. ↑ "Visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff to Australia and New Zealand 02 to 06 September 2019". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  13. ↑ "Visit of Admiral Karambir Singh Chief of the Naval Staff to Bangladesh (21 to 24 Sep 19)". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  14. ↑ "Visit of Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka (19 to 22 Dec 19)". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  15. ↑ "2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations (English)". www.in.emb-japan.go.jp. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
Military offices
Preceded by
Major General N. P. Padhi 		Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command
2011 - 2012 		Succeeded by
Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai
Preceded by
Bimal Verma 		Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area
2012 - 2013 		Succeeded by
G. Ashok Kumar
Preceded by
C. S. Murthy 		Director General Project Seabird
2013 - 2015 		Succeeded by
Murlidhar Sadashiv Pawar
Preceded by
Rama Kant Pattanaik 		Deputy Chief of Naval Staff
2015 - 2016 		Succeeded by
G. Ashok Kumar
Preceded by
Parasurama Naidu Murugesan 		Vice Chief of Naval Staff
31 May 2016 – 30 October 2017 		Succeeded by
Ajit Kumar
Preceded by
Harish Bisht 		Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command
31 October 2017 – 30 May 2019 		Succeeded by
Atul Kumar Jain
Preceded by
Sunil Lanba 		Chief of Naval Staff
31 May 2019 - 30 November 2021 		Succeeded by
R. Hari Kumar
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