New Delhi: General NS Raja Subramani on Sunday formally assumed office as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), taking over from General Anil Chauhan. His appointment comes at a crucial stage as the armed forces continue efforts to improve integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force while advancing long-pending defence reforms.
The newly appointed CDS will also serve as Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, a role that places him at the centre of India’s military modernisation and joint operational planning.
Focus on Theatre Commands and Jointness
One of General Subramani’s key responsibilities will be to drive the implementation of the military theatreisation model. The initiative aims to create integrated theatre commands that bring together resources and capabilities of all three services under unified operational structures.
Addressing the media after taking charge, he emphasised that transforming the armed forces and carrying out organisational reforms would remain a major priority. According to him, strengthening synergy and integration among the services is essential for enhancing India’s defence preparedness.
Push for Indigenous Defence Capabilities
General Subramani also highlighted the importance of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He stated that efforts would be intensified to speed up the development, induction and integration of domestically produced weapon systems into the armed forces.
His focus aligns with India’s broader push towards indigenous defence production and reducing dependence on foreign military equipment.
General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed charge as the 3rd Chief of Defence Staff #CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, this morning. After laying a wreath at the NWM to pay homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the… pic.twitter.com/6qp8TzEmZN
— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) May 31, 2026
Extensive Military Experience
Widely regarded as an expert on security challenges involving China and Pakistan, General Subramani brings more than four decades of military experience to the position. Before assuming the role of CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
He previously held the position of Vice Chief of Army Staff and also commanded the Army’s Central Command. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of operational, instructional and staff appointments across diverse terrains and conflict situations.
Succeeds General Anil Chauhan
General Subramani succeeds General Anil Chauhan, who completed his tenure as India’s senior-most military officer on Saturday. During his time as CDS, General Chauhan worked towards enhancing coordination among the three services and advancing the framework for theatre command reforms.
With General Subramani now at the helm, the armed forces are expected to continue pursuing structural integration, defence modernisation and indigenous capability development as key pillars of India’s national security strategy.
Also Read: Mumbai Wakes Up to Rainy Sunday as Showers Bring Relief Across City and MMR