General NS Raja Subramani appointed today as India’s 3rd Chief of Defence Staff

*NEW DELHI*

General NS Raja Subramani officially assumed office today as India’s 3rd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan. His assumption of command marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing modernisation, structural transformation, and integration of the Indian Armed Forces.

As his first official act upon taking charge, General NS Raja Subramani visited the National War Memorial to pay solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes, laying a wreath at the eternal flame. Subsequently, he was accorded a magnificent Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi, where he reviewed the parade representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Outlining his strategic priorities to meet the demands of modern warfare, General Subramani emphasised accelerating the integration of the three services and advancing key structural reforms, with a primary focus on fast-tracking the creation of unified theater commands. He also stressed driving self-reliance in national security by fast-tracking the domestic development, induction, and seamless integration of cutting-edge indigenous weapons systems and technologies, alongside fostering a progressive military mindset that champions technical innovation and creative strategy across all ranks.

Underscoring that national security is no longer confined to the battlefield alone, General Subramani highlighted the vital importance of a Whole-of-Nation approach. He called for deepened collaboration between the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, strategic think tanks, defense industries, academia, and startups to build a robust security ecosystem capable of defending India's territorial sovereignty. The CDS also extended his compliments to all ranks for their unwavering professionalism and operational readiness, while reiterating that the welfare of personnel, veterans, and Veer Naris remains a top institutional priority.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, General NS Raja Subramani was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. In a highly distinguished career spanning over 40 years, he has commanded the premier strike 2 Corps, served as GOC-in-C Central Command, and Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He brings unparalleled expertise in operational dynamics on both the Western and Northern borders to this apex role.