General NS Raja Subramani formally took charge as India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Sunday, succeeding General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ended on May 30.
He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block in New Delhi, marking the beginning of his leadership as the country’s top military officer.
Speaking after assuming office, General Subramani said he felt honoured to take on the responsibility and reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to strengthening national security through a “whole-of-nation” approach. He emphasised advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “JAI” — Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation.
He highlighted organisational reforms as a priority, focusing on enhancing jointness, synergy, and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He also underlined the importance of defence self-reliance, promising accelerated efforts to develop and induct indigenous weapon systems.
The government announced his appointment on May 9. In addition to serving as CDS, he will act as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence.
General Subramani’s career spans over four decades. Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in 1985, he has commanded formations in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and sensitive border sectors. He served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, headed the Army’s Central Command, and worked as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. He also served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, he holds advanced degrees from King’s College London and Madras University. His distinguished service earned him the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
