A UK Asian businessman has become the first Indian-born recipient of the position of Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy. On Friday, 28th February, Captain Raj Aggarwal OBE, a prominent Cardiff-based entrepreneur who is also India’s Honorary Consul in Wales was honoured with the promotion at a ceremony in Birmingham.
Speaking at the ceremony Captain Raj said, "It is a huge honour to be congratulated personally by the First Sea Lord today on my promotion to the rank of Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy. During my 18-months in the Service I have had some wonderful experiences meeting the most committed and wonderful servicemen and women.
"I want to use my position to create greater diversity in the Navy, to show the community that the Navy are supportive and there are amazing careers on offer, with first rate skills training and opportunities to see the world.”
Last year's Diwali celebrations (October 2019) was the first time that a British naval vessel had been illuminated in indian colours, and the commanding officer and its company enjoyed a traditional indian feast prepared by the chefs on board.
His promotional ceremony was attended by the head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin CB ADC, and Royal Marines Brigadier Graeme "Jock" Fraser.The First Sea Lord said,
"Since Raj's appointment as an Honorary Officer he has been a tireless advocate for the Service and this promotion reflects his commitment and hard work. A particular highlight was seeing his affiliated ship, HMS Dragon, lit up at sea to celebrate Diwali, in an image that reached audiences throughout the world."
Royal Marines Brigadier Jock Fraser, the Royal Navy’s regional Commander for Wales and Western England, also congratulated Captain Raj, he said,
"Raj has proved to be an exceptional ambassador for the Naval Service. He assumes his promotion in an exciting year for the Royal Navy in Wales."
Raj's latest promotion was approved by Her Majesty the Queen and his elavated rank is the equivalent to that of Colonel in the Army. In his dutes for the Royal Navy Raj is affiliated with HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Daring-Class Destroyer based out of Portsmouth.
He received his first honorary commission in the Royal Navy in September 2018 and has since been promoted twice in the Senior Service, and was the first ever honorary officer for the Royal Navy in Wales.
Raj emigrated from Kenya to Wales in 1967 and studied Pharmacy at Cardiff University. He is now the chairman of RK Aggarwal Ltd and ran a successful chain of pharmacies in Cardiff.
