New Delhi: General NS Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, succeeding General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure concluded on May 30.
After taking charge, General Subramani paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He was later accorded a traditional tri-services Guard of Honour at South Block in New Delhi.
Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, General Subramani brings over four decades of distinguished military service to the country’s highest military post. During his career, he has held several key command and staff appointments, including General Officer Commanding 2 Corps, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, and Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Before assuming the office of CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
Outlining his vision after assuming office, General Subramani emphasized greater jointness, integration, and synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He identified Jointness, Atma Nirbharta, and Innovation as his key priorities, stressing the need for accelerated development, induction, and integration of indigenous weapons systems. As the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister, he called for stronger collaboration and innovation among stakeholders to enhance defence capabilities and modernize the armed forces.
Expressing gratitude for the nation’s trust in the military, the new CDS pledged to build upon the achievements of his predecessors. He praised the professionalism and operational readiness of the armed forces and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening training, personnel welfare, and support for veterans and military families.
Following the transition, personnel across the armed forces, including the Indian Air Force, extended their greetings and best wishes to General Subramani as he began his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff.
