New Delhi, Jun 1 (JKNS): General N.S. Raja Subramani assumed charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, and outlined a vision focused on military transformation, tri-services integration and accelerated induction of indigenous weapon systems into the armed forces.
According to details available with news agency JKNS, General Subramani, who was serving as Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), formally took over as the country’s senior-most military commander following the completion of General Chauhan’s tenure on Saturday.
Soon after assuming office, the new CDS said organisational reforms aimed at enhancing synergy among the Army, Navy and Air Force would remain among his key priorities.
“Transformation of the armed forces and organisational reforms to enhance tri-services synergy and integration will be my primary focus,” General Subramani said while addressing the media as per news agency JKNS said.
He also stressed the importance of self-reliance in defence production, stating that efforts would be intensified to accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapon systems into the armed forces.
The CDS reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces towards safeguarding national interests and protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Our armed forces have consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We remain committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation,” he said.
Assuring citizens of continued dedication and professionalism from the armed forces, General Subramani said the military would continue serving the country with courage, honour and unwavering commitment.
One of the major responsibilities before the new CDS will be implementation of the long-pending military theatre command model aimed at creating integrated operational structures and improving coordination among the three services.
General Subramani brings with him more than four decades of military experience and has served in a variety of operational, command, instructional and staff appointments across different terrains and conflict zones.
Prior to retirement, he served as Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025. He also held the position of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, from March 2023 to June 2024.
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985, General Subramani commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he is also an alumnus of the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
General Subramani holds a Master’s degree from King’s College London and an M.Phil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. (JKNS)
