Robin K. Dhowan

Admiral Rabinder "Robin" Kumar Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC was the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 17 April 2014, succeeding Admiral D.K. Joshi. He previously served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff from August 2011 to April 2014.

Admiral Dhowan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1975 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (45th Course, Charlie squadron).

He was honoured with a "telescope" for being the "Best Cadet", and was later awarded the 'Sword of Honour' on completion of his midshipman training.

He is a "Navigation and Direction" specialist; and during his career he has commanded the missile corvette INS Khukri, and guided missile destroyers INS Ranjit and INS Delhi.

After his elevation to flag rank, he served in various staff and instructional assignments.He was the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) in the Integrated Headquarters (Navy) and then commanded the Eastern Fleet as Flag Officer Commanding.

He also served as the Chief of Staff at Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam and the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command.

From 2002 to 2005, he was the Naval Adviser in the Indian High Commission at London.

He then took charge as the Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, and later served as a Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.

He was appointed as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff in August 2011.

He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA, and has completed the Sea Harrier Direction course in the U.K.

Dhowan with Minu Dhowan (right) and S. Ramsay, editor of Quarterdeck magazine, 22 February 2015.

Admiral Dhowan is married to Minu Dhowan, and the couple have a daughter and two sons.

He enjoys playing golf and yachting.