India Appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as Next Chief of Defence Staff

about 12 hours ago

Published: May 9, 2026

India Appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as Next Chief of Defence Staff

The Indian government has appointed Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff, who will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He will assume office after General Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on 30 May 2026.

The Indian government has appointed Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff, who will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He will assume office after General Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on 30 May 2026.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani is currently serving as Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat, a position he has held since September 1, 2025.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani has a distinguished career, having served across a wide spectrum of conflicts and terrain profiles and held various Command, Staff, and Instructional appointments. He has been awarded several honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

The appointment of Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff is expected to take effect on 31 May 2026, following the completion of General Anil Chauhan's tenure. The government has not commented further on the appointment, but official sources indicate that Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani will prioritize national security and defence modernization in his new role.