Admiral Karambir Singh PVSM AVSM ADC on Friday took charge as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff. He replaced the outgoing Naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.
Speaking to reporters soon after being sworn in as the new Indian Navy chief, Admiral Singh said, “It’s a matter of immense pride for me to assume the role of the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff. Our outgoing Navy Chief built a strong foundation and took the Indian Navy to new heights. My efforts will be to not only continue with his good initiatives and make our navy even more capable and strong.”
Admiral Singh said that his focus will be to ensure that the Indian Navy was ready for any security challenges in the maritime domain. However, Admiral Singh’s continuation in his post will depend on the final outcome of the case, currently being heard by the military tribunal, which deferred hearing on a petition challenging his appointment by nearly seven weeks.
Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma had approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority.
“The AFT posted the matter for hearing on July 17 as government sought more time for placing records relating to Vice Admiral Singh”s appointment before the tribunal,” Vice Admiral Verma’s lawyer Ankur Chhibber was quoted by news agency PTI.
Vice Admiral Verma is the senior-most naval commander, but it Singh was allowed to supersede him. Vice Admiral Verma had approached the tribunal after the defence ministry rejected his application earlier this month.
Source: Janta Ka Reporter
