Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), has been appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. He will succeed General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, whose tenure ends on May 30, 2026. The announcement marks a significant transition in India's military leadership.
Role and Responsibilities
In his capacity as CDS, Lieutenant General Subramani will also serve as Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), effective from the date he assumes charge until further orders. This dual role underscores the importance of integrated defence planning and execution.
Background and Career
Lieutenant General Subramani took on the role of Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) after retiring from the Army. He has been serving at the NSCS since September 1, 2025. Prior to his retirement, he served as the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025. He was also the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024.
Early Military Career
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985, Lieutenant General Subramani is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. His academic credentials include a master's degree from King's College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University. He is also an alumnus of the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
Command and Operational Experience
Over a career spanning four decades, Lieutenant General Subramani has commanded formations across diverse operational environments. His leadership roles include:
- Command of the 16th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam
- Command of the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir
- Command of the 17 Mountain Division facing China
- Command of the Ambala-based 2 Corps, the Indian Army's armour-heavy strike formation on the western front
Staff and Instructional Appointments
Lieutenant General Subramani has held extensive staff and instructional appointments, ranging from Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade to Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence and Chief Instructor (Army) at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He also served as Chief of Staff at Northern Command, gaining deep operational insight into both the western and northern borders. Additionally, he served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan.
Vision and Decorations
Lieutenant General Subramani is expected to drive jointness and integration across the armed forces, a key priority for the CDS. He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal, reflecting his distinguished service.
