<Tr> <Th> Deputy </Th> <Td> Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Karambir Singh </Td> </Tr> <P> The Chief of the Naval Staff is the commander and the highest - ranking officer in the Indian Navy . The position is abbreviated CNS in Indian Navy cables and communication, and usually held by a four - star officer in the rank of Admiral . </P> <P> The current CNS is Admiral Sunil Lanba . The 23rd Navy Chief, he took over from Admiral Robin K. Dhowan, who retired on 31 May 2016 after four decades of service from the navy . </P> <P> The office of the Chief of the Naval Staff was created by The Commanders - In - Chief (Change in Designation) Act of the Indian Parliament in 1955, replacing the erstwhile office of the Commander - in - Chief, Indian Navy . The office is based at South Block in Raisina Hill . </P>

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