Government Announces New CDS Appointment
The Government of India has appointed NS Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He will also serve as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs.
He will take charge after the retirement of the current CDS, Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on May 30, 2026.
Current Role and Previous Appointments
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has been serving as the Military Adviser in the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025.
Before this, he held several important positions, including:
- Vice Chief of Army Staff (July 2024 – July 2025)
- General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command (2023–2024)
Education and Military Background
The General Officer is a graduate of:
- National Defence Academy
- Indian Military Academy
He was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985.
He has also studied at:
- Joint Services Command Staff College, UK
- National Defence College, New Delhi
Academically, he holds:
- Master’s degree from King's College London
- M.Phil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras
Distinguished Military Career
During his 40-year career, Lieutenant General Raja Subramani served in various operational and command roles across different terrains and conflict zones.
His major command appointments include:
- Commanding 16 Garhwal Rifles during Operation Rhino in Assam
- Leading 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu & Kashmir
- Commanding 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector
- Commanding 2 Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike corps on the Western Front
Important Staff and Instructional Roles
He has also served in many key staff and training appointments, such as:
- Divisional Officer at NDA
- Defence Attache in Kazakhstan
- Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence
- Chief Instructor at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
- Chief of Staff, Northern Command
These assignments gave him a deep operational understanding of both the western and northern borders.
Awards and Honours
For his outstanding service to the nation, he has received several prestigious military awards, including:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Sena Medal (SM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
Conclusion
The appointment of Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the new CDS marks an important step for India’s military leadership. With vast operational experience, strategic understanding, and decades of service, he is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and joint military coordination.
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