General NS Raja Subramani takes charge as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeds General Anil Chauhan

India formally entered a new phase in its military leadership on Saturday as General NS Raja Subramani assumed office as the country’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), taking over from General Anil Chauhan. The transition comes at a time when the Armed Forces are focusing heavily on joint operations, indigenous defence capability and future warfare preparedness amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

Soon after assuming office, General NS Raja Subramani was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi, marking the beginning of his tenure as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer.

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The Government had appointed General NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff on May 9. Along with the military role, he will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs. He succeeds General Anil Chauhan, who completed his tenure on May 30.

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, accorded Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.

(Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/0FRGlcHsMX

— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2026

Focus on jointness and reform

Addressing officials after taking charge, the new CDS stressed that integration among the three services, organisational reforms and expansion of indigenous military capabilities would remain central to his leadership agenda.

General NS Raja Subramani said the Armed Forces, strategic institutions and the Ministry of Defence would work in close coordination under a “whole of nation” approach to strengthen India’s security framework.

He underlined that the vision of “JAI”: Jointness, Atma Nirbharta and Innovation, would guide the transformation process within the military establishment.

According to the new CDS, efforts would intensify towards improving synergy between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force while accelerating structural reforms aimed at better operational coordination.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding the use of indigenous defence systems and reducing dependence on foreign military platforms.

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani says, “I’m honoured to assume charge as the Chief of Defence Staff. We are grateful to the nation for the trust reposed in the Armed Forces. We, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Defence, strategic… https://t.co/Pi47KBLtLZ pic.twitter.com/VxhmZgfA0i

— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2026

Indigenous weapons push

General NS Raja Subramani called self-reliance in defence production a critical pillar of national security and said greater emphasis would be placed on integrating Indian-made weapons and technologies into the Armed Forces.

He stated that the military leadership would work towards faster development, induction and operational deployment of indigenous platforms across all branches of the Armed Forces.

The remarks come amid the government’s broader push to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the Atma Nirbharta framework.

Four decades of military experience

General NS Raja Subramani brings with him more than four decades of operational, strategic and administrative experience across multiple theatres and commands.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985.

Over the course of his career, he held several major command assignments, including leadership of 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino. He also commanded formations in Jammu and Kashmir and along sensitive mountain sectors.

Among his key operational appointments was command of 2 Corps, the Indian Army’s strike corps on the western front.

• Senior strategic appointments

Before becoming CDS, General NS Raja Subramani served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. Earlier, he held the position of Vice Chief of the Army Staff and also led the Central Command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

His career additionally included several strategic and instructional assignments involving military operations, intelligence, planning and international defence engagement.

He also served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan and held senior appointments in Eastern Command, Northern Command and Military Intelligence.

• Academic and professional background

General NS Raja Subramani studied at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom and later attended the National Defence College in New Delhi.

He holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University.

Throughout his service, he has received several distinguished military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.