Government Appoints Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as New Chief of Defence Staff

The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff, effective following the completion of General Anil Chauhan's tenure on May 30. Subramani is currently serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat, a role he has held since September 1, 2025.

Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, Subramani has over 37 years of service in the Indian Army, with extensive experience in operational roles along the western and northern borders. He previously served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, and as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024.

Subramani is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, and has studied at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He holds a Master of Arts from King's College London and an M Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University.

He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service. The transition will formalize on May 30, when Subramani assumes full responsibilities as CDS.