Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, widely recognized as an expert on Pakistan and China, officially assumed charge as India's top military commander on Sunday. He succeeded General Anil Chauhan, who retired after serving in the key position for three-and-a-half years.
Commitment to JAI Vision
Addressing the media, General Subramani stated, "We are committed to implementing the PM's vision of JAI — Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation." He emphasized that the transformation of the armed forces and organizational reforms to enhance tri-services synergy and integration will be his primary focus.
Focus on Indigenous Weapons
"We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces," he declared. The new CDS stressed that innovation in thought and action will drive capability development, with greater collaboration between the military, industry, academia, startups, and the research ecosystem serving as a key enabler for modernization.
Protecting Sovereignty
"Our armed forces consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," General Subramani affirmed.
Key Objectives: Theaterisation and Reforms
The new CDS's key objectives include accelerating and rolling out India's ambitious military theaterisation plan, which involves creating integrated theatre commands to improve coordination among the Indian Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force. Alongside driving structural and tri-service reforms, his specific tasks include enhancing synergies in operations, logistics, transport, training, and communications.
Assuring the nation of the military's unwavering commitment, he stated, "I assure the citizens of India that the armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour, and professionalism."
Illustrious Career
In a career spanning over 40 years, General Subramani served across a wide spectrum of conflict and terrain profiles, holding numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments. He served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025, and was General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024. He commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles in counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector during challenging operational environments.
An officer of the Garhwal Regiment, General Subramani previously served as Military Adviser to the National Security Advisory Committee, where he played a key role in strategic assessments and inter-agency coordination on national security matters.
Gratitude to Predecessors
Expressing gratitude, the CDS said, "I express my sincere gratitude to late General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan, my illustrious predecessors, for their exemplary leadership and contribution in this journey."
