Indian government has appointed Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next chief of naval staff, officials said Saturday.

"Government of India appoints Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next chief of the naval staff," Indian navy spokesperson said.

According to spokesperson, Singh will assume charge on superannuation of Admiral Sunil Lanba on May 31, 2019.

Lanba will retire from service in May this year.

Singh is currently serving as the flag officer commanding in chief of the eastern naval command in Visakhapatnam.

According to officials Singh was commissioned into the Indian navy in July 1980.