By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: General NS Raja Subramani has taken charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan after completing his tenure. Assuming office on Sunday, May 31, he outlined a strong focus on accelerating defence reforms, deepening tri-services coordination, and advancing the long-discussed theatre command structure.
Soon after taking over, Subramani stressed that improving operational synergy between the Army, Navy and Air Force through structural reforms would remain a top priority. He also highlighted the importance of speeding up the development, procurement, and seamless integration of indigenous weapon systems within the armed forces, reaffirming a push towards self-reliance in defence capabilities.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture as the government pushes forward with the theatreisation model, which aims to create integrated commands for more efficient joint operations. As CDS, he will play a central role in shaping and implementing this restructuring of India’s military command framework.
A veteran with over four decades of service, Subramani brings extensive operational and strategic experience. Before becoming CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat and earlier held the position of Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025. He also previously commanded the Army’s Central Command.
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, he has served in multiple counter-insurgency environments, including Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as sensitive border regions. His command experience includes leading two corps, one of which was a strike formation on the western front.
His service record also includes key staff and instructional roles such as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence, Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and Chief of Staff at Northern Command.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, the Joint Services Command and Staff College (UK), and the National Defence College, he also holds postgraduate degrees from King’s College London and Madras University.
He has been awarded with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished services.