Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The Government of India has appointed NS Raja Subramani as the country’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He will succeed Anil Chauhan, who is set to complete his tenure on May 30. Lt Gen Subramani is widely regarded as a strategic expert on defence matters related to Pakistan and China.
Born into a military family, Lt Gen Subramani received his training from the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985.
During his nearly four-decade-long military career, he held several key operational assignments in sensitive regions across the country. He led counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino and later commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir and the 17 Mountain Division in the central sector.
Lt Gen Subramani also commanded two Corps, including the Indian Army’s premier Strike Corps on the western front. His extensive experience along both the western and northern borders has earned him recognition as a specialist in strategic military operations involving Pakistan and China.
He served as Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Prior to that, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command. At present, he is serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
His distinguished career also includes assignments as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Deputy Director General in Military Intelligence, and Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College.
Lt Gen Subramani pursued advanced military education at the Joint Services Command and Staff College and the National Defence College. He also holds a master’s degree from King's College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from University of Madras.
As the new CDS, one of his biggest responsibilities will be implementing India’s military theatreisation model aimed at enhancing coordination among the Army, Air Force, and Navy through integrated commands.
For his distinguished service to the nation, Lt Gen Subramani has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
