Key Points
- Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani appointed as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff
- Current CDS General Anil Chauhan’s tenure ends on 30 May 2026
- Subramani brings over 40 years of service including command of 2 Corps on Western Front
The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff, the government announced on Saturday. Subramani will also serve as Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs. He succeeds General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on 30 May 2026.
The appointment takes effect from the date Subramani assumes charge. He currently serves as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat, a position he has held since 1 September 2025.
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The Chief of Defence Staff is the senior-most uniformed officer in the Indian armed forces and the principal military adviser to the defence minister.
The position was created in 2019 to improve coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. The CDS also heads the Department of Military Affairs, which handles military procurement, jointness among services and veterans’ welfare.
Career spanning Western and Northern borders
Subramani was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on 14 December 1985 after graduating from the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy.
His career has spanned over 40 years across operational theatres on both the Western and Northern borders.
Before his current role, Subramani served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 July 2024 to 31 July 2025. He was General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024.
His command appointments include leading 2 Corps — the Indian Army’s premier strike formation on the Western Front — and 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector.
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He commanded 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir and 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam as part of Operation Rhino.
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani experience
Subramani’s staff assignments have included stints as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Northern Command, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at Eastern Command and Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army).
He served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan and as Chief Instructor (Army) at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
He is an alumnus of the Joint Services Command Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
Subramani holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University.
For his service, Subramani has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal — decorations recognising distinguished service and gallantry in the Indian armed forces.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the new Chief of Defence Staff of India?
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) has been appointed as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff. He will also serve as Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs.
When does General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as CDS end?
General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff ends on 30 May 2026. Lt Gen Subramani will assume charge from the date of taking office.
What is the role of the Chief of Defence Staff?
The CDS is the senior-most uniformed officer in the Indian armed forces and the principal military adviser to the defence minister. The position coordinates operations among the Army, Navy and Air Force and heads the Department of Military Affairs.
What is Lt Gen Subramani’s military background?
Lt Gen Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in 1985. He has commanded 2 Corps on the Western Front, served as Vice Chief of Army Staff, and held key positions at Northern and Eastern Commands over a 40-year career.