Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the 24th chief of the Indian Navy, becoming the first helicopter pilot to helm the force. He succeeds Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired after a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
As Navy chief, Singh's immediate priority will be to expedite the long-delayed modernisation of the Indian Navy, including by inducting new warships, submarines and aircraft. At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines. He is also expected to focus on expansion of India's presence and overall influence in the Indian Ocean region where China has been fast increasing its presence.
Singh's promotion was challenged by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on grounds of seniority. However, the defence ministry rejected Vice Admiral Verma's petition following which he approached the Armed Forces Tribunal(AFT).
The Tribunal here allowed Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief, holding that his continuation will depend on the final outcome of the case. The next date of hearing in the case is July 17.
The new chief is is scheduled to continue in the post till November 2021.
"My predecessors made sure that the Navy has a solid foundation and has reached new heights. It will be my endeavour to continue with their efforts and provide the nation with a Navy that's strong, credible and ready to meet security challenges in the maritime domain," Admiral Singh told the media after reviewing a guard of honour outside South Block.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he held various key positions in the Navy in a career spanning over 39 years.
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 a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.