- Admiral Rabinder “Robin” Kumar Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC was the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff ( previously served as the Vice Chief) of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 17 April 2014, succeeding Admiral D.K. Joshi.
- 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.
- A navigation and direction specialist, Admiral Dhowan has never headed any operational command, but has held key positions and staff appointments during his career. His command appointments include missile corvette INS Khukri and guided missile destroyers INS Ranjit and INS Delhi. He was the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, based at Vishakhapatnam, one of the two operational commands of the Indian Navy.
- The staff assignments held by him include Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at the force’s New Delhi headquarters, Commandant of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Indian Naval Adviser at the High Commission of India, London and Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command headquarters.
- Admiral Dhowan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA. He was also the Naval Adviser in the Indian High Commission at London from 2002 to 2005.
- He is married to Mrs Minu Dhowan and the couple have a daughter and two sons.
Awards
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
- Yudh Seva Medal
- Special Service Medal
- Operation Vijay Medal
- Operation Vijay Star
- Operation Parakram Medal
- Videsh Seva Medal
- 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal
- 25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
- 30 Years Long Service Medal
- 20 Years Long Service Medal
- 9 Years Long Service Medal