IndiaChief of Defence StaffLieutenant General NS Raja SubramaniGeneral Anil ChauhanMilitary Appointment
India Appoints Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as New Chief of Defence Staff
Published: May 9, 2026
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Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as India's new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Anil Chauhan, who will complete his tenure on May 30. Subramani will also function as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs, with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders.
Subramani has had a distinguished military career spanning over 35 years, with experience in various conflicts and terrain profiles, including serving as the Defence attache at the Embassy of India in Astana, Kazakhstan, and commanding the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba.
Subramani's qualifications include a Master of Arts Degree from King's College, London, and an M Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University, as well as attendance at the Joint Services Command Staff College, Bracknell, UK, and the National Defence College in Delhi.
For his distinguished service to the nation, Subramani has been awarded several medals, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The government's decision to appoint Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff is expected to be followed by a formal handover of charge, with General Anil Chauhan completing his tenure on May 30.