General NS Raja Subramani takes charge as India's new Chief of Defence Staff

General NS Raja Subramani has taken charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. He has placed jointness, self-reliance and innovation at the centre of military reform.

In Short

• A ceremonial Guard of Honour marked the change of command in Delhi
• Subramani earlier served the national security panel as military adviser
• He said Army, Navy and Air Force integration will remain central

General NS Raja Subramani on Saturday officially assumed charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, who retired after serving in the post for three-and-a-half years. The change of command was marked by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi.

An officer of the Garhwal Regiment, General Subramani previously served as Military Adviser to the National Security Advisory Committee, where he played a key role in strategic assessments and inter-agency coordination on national security matters.

Upon taking charge, the new CDS expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in the armed forces and outlined his priorities for the future. He said strengthening jointness, synergy and integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force would remain a key focus area.

“I am honoured to assume charge as the Chief of Defence Staff. We are committed to implementing the Prime Minister's vision of JAI — Jointness, Atma Nirbharta and Innovation,” General Subramani said.

He emphasised that organisational reforms and the transformation of the armed forces would continue to be pursued to enhance operational effectiveness. Highlighting self-reliance as a cornerstone of national security, he said efforts would be intensified to accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons and defence technologies.

THE KEY AREAS TO FOCUS

General Subramani also underscored the importance of innovation in military modernisation, calling for greater collaboration between the armed forces, industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem. “Innovation in thought and action will drive our capability development,” he said.

Paying tribute to his predecessors, the new CDS acknowledged the contributions of late General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, and General Anil Chauhan for their leadership in advancing military integration and reforms.

He also reiterated the armed forces' commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty and territorial integrity while stressing that the welfare of soldiers, sailors, air warriors, veterans and Veer Naaris would remain a priority.

As Chief of Defence Staff, General Subramani will serve as the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister and oversee efforts to enhance integration among the three services. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the armed forces continue to pursue theatre command reforms, indigenous capability development and heightened operational readiness along India's borders.

- Ends