D.K. Joshi named new Indian Navy chief

Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi, a highly-decorated anti-submarine warfare specialist, will be the new Indian Navy chief in the rank of admiral, an official announcement said here Tuesday. He will take over from incumbent Admiral Nirmal Verma, who will retire Aug 31.

Joshi (58) is currently the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, the Indian Navy's sword arm.

Born July 4, 1954, Joshi was commissioned into the executive branch of the Indian Navy April 1, 1974.

During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly four decades, Joshi has served in different command, staff and instructional appointments.

His sea command includes guided missile corvette INS Kuthar, guided missile destroyer INS Ranvir and the aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

Prior to taking over his present assignment, Joshi served as the navy's deputy chief, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff.

A graduate of the prestigious US Naval War College and an alumnus of Mumbi's College of Naval Warfare, and New Delhi's National Defence College, Joshi also served as defence advisor in the Indian High Commission in Singapore 1996-99.

Joshi has been awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal, the Ati Vishist Seva medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Nau Sena Medal and the Vishist Seva Medal.

Joshi is married to Chitra and the couple has two daughters.