New Delhi: General NS Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), becoming the third Army officer to hold the country’s highest military appointment after General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan.
General Subramani succeeded General Anil Chauhan, who retired on Saturday after serving as CDS since September 2022.
Soon after taking charge, General Subramani outlined his priorities, stating that strengthening the transformation of the armed forces and advancing organisational reforms to improve tri-services integration would be among his key focus areas. He also stressed the need to accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapon systems across the armed forces.
“Our armed forces consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he said in a media statement, reported HT. He added that the armed forces would continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour and professionalism.
The government had announced his appointment earlier this month. In addition to serving as CDS, General Subramani will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, General Subramani was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. He has held several key command, staff and instructional appointments during a military career spanning more than four decades.
Before taking over as CDS, he served as Military Adviser in the National Security Council Secretariat. He had earlier served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command.
For his disti0nguished service, General Subramani has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
