A prominent Cardiff business-man has become the first India-born recipient of the position of Honorary Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy.
Raj Aggarwal, a pharmacist and public health expert, will be affiliated to HMS Dragon. He is also India’s Honorary Consul in Wales.
Reacting to the news, Royal Marine Brigadier Graeme “Jock” Fraser said: “His appointment will deepen the relationship between the community and the Royal Navy.
“Your Armed Forces are inclusive employers; we recognise the value of diversity and proudly serve all members of our communities at home and overseas,” he added.
Aggarwal said he wants to use his position to create greater diversity in the Navy and “to show the community that the Navy will be supportive and that there are amazing careers on offer, with first-rate skills-training and opportunities to see the world.”
Aggarwal emigrated from Kenya to Wales in 1967 and studied Pharmacy at Cardiff University. He is the chairman of RK Aggarwal Ltd and ran a successful chain of pharmacies in Cardiff. Aggarwal has held a number of positions on influential boards and as chairman of Kidney Wales.
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso. 
