Karambir Singh

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) of the Navy, he replaced Admiral Sunil Lanba as the CNS after his retirement on 31 May 2019. 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 Born on 3 November 1959 in Jalandhar, Punjab, Admiral Singh is a second generation military officer. He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.

Career 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

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.

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.

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

Bilateral visits as CNS

Awards and decorations

Singh was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star of Japan on 29 April 2023 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.