Lt Gen N. S. Raja Subramani Appointed as India’s New Chief of Defence Staff

New Delhi, May 10, 2026 India has appointed Lieutenant General (Retd.) N. S. Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant change in the country’s top military leadership. The appointment comes ahead of the completion of the current CDS General Anil Chauhan’s tenure on 30 May 2026. According to the announcement, he will take over as CDS and also serve as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs from the date he assumes charge. The decision reflects a continued focus on strengthening joint leadership and coordination within India’s armed forces. At present, Lt Gen (Retd.) Subramani is serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat, a role he has held since September 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025, bringing with him nearly four decades of military experience. The appointment is seen as an important step in India’s defence structure, with the CDS expected to play a key role in improving integration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while also advancing long-term military reforms and operational coordination.