Gen NS Raja Subramani takes charge as new Chief of Defence staff; pledges military modernisation

New Delhi: General NS Raja Subramani formally assumed office as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Monday, outlining an agenda focused on military modernisation, greater integration among the three services and the accelerated induction of indigenous defence technologies.

The former Vice Chief of Army Staff succeeds General Anil Chauhan, who completed his tenure as the country’s top military commander on May 30. Soon after taking charge, General Subramani reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while signalling continuity in efforts to transform the military structure.

"Innovation in thought and action will drive our capability development. Greater collaboration between the military, the industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem will be the key enabler for modernisation. Our Armed Forces have 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 said.

He added, "I assure the citizens of India that the Armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour, and professionalism."

Focus on military reforms and theatre commands

One of General Subramani’s principal responsibilities as CDS will be advancing the long-pending military theatreisation initiative, which aims to establish integrated commands combining the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force under unified operational structures.

The new CDS indicated that organisational reforms designed to enhance jointness, interoperability and tri-services coordination would remain at the forefront of his agenda. He also stressed the importance of strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and reducing dependence on foreign military equipment.

"We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces," he said.

The theatreisation project has been viewed as one of the most significant structural reforms in the Indian military since independence, intended to improve operational efficiency and streamline command structures during both peacetime and conflict.

Tribute to predecessors and fallen soldiers

After assuming office, General Subramani paid tribute to his predecessors, acknowledging their role in shaping the CDS institution and advancing military integration.

"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," he noted.

He also highlighted the importance of personnel welfare, stating that serving members of the armed forces, veterans and military families would remain a key priority during his tenure.

"We acknowledge the courage and professionalism of our soldiers, sailors and air warriors. Their training and welfare will be our foremost priority. We hope we pay homage to our brave hearts whose valour, sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire us. We are committed to the welfare of our veterans and Veer Naaris," the CDS asserted.

Following his assumption of office, General Subramani visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where he laid a wreath in honour of military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.

Ceremonial welcome at South Block

The new CDS was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in the national capital, marking the formal commencement of his tenure as India’s highest-ranking military officer.

General Subramani takes over at a time when the armed forces are pursuing extensive modernisation programmes, expanding indigenous defence capabilities and seeking deeper integration among the three services to address evolving security challenges.

Four decades of military service

A veteran officer with more than four decades of service, General Subramani most recently served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat after retiring as Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 31, 2025.

Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985, he has held a range of command, instructional and staff appointments across diverse operational environments.

During his career, he commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, led the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and headed the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector. He also commanded two corps formations, including one of the Indian Army’s premier strike corps on the western front.

His senior appointments have included General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024 and Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 2024 until July 2025.

Distinguished academic and professional credentials

General Subramani is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He also studied at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, and the National Defence College in New Delhi.

His academic qualifications include a Master of Arts degree from King's College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras.

Over the years, he has also served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence, Chief Instructor (Army) at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at Eastern Command and Chief of Staff at Northern Command, among several other appointments.

For his distinguished service, General Subramani has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

(With PTI inputs)