Who is NS Raja Subramani: The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He will assume office on 30 May 2026, following the completion of General Anil Chauhan’s tenure. Alongside his role as CDS, Lieutenant General Subramani will serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs.
This appointment brings to an end the tenure of General Anil Chauhan and marks the transition to a new era of military leadership. Lieutenant General Subramani brings over four decades of service in the Indian Army, with extensive experience across command, staff and instructional appointments.
Career spanning 39 years
Lieutenant General Subramani’s military career spans over four decades of service in the Indian Army. Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on 14 December 1985, he has risen through the ranks with distinction. His career concluded with his superannuation after 39 years of distinguished service.
His operational experience covers diverse terrains and conflict environments, reflecting his adaptability and leadership. He commanded the 16th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino. This deployment placed his battalion in active counter-insurgency roles during a critical security period.
Key command roles in Jammu & Kashmir and Central Sector
Lieutenant General Subramani also commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, Jammu & Kashmir. He later led the 17 Mountain Division in Sikkim, positioned in the Central Sector facing China during a particularly challenging operational period. These commands demonstrate his experience in high-altitude warfare and border security operations.
The pinnacle of his command career came when he commanded II Corps, the Ambala-based strike formation and the Indian Army’s premier strike formation on the Western Front. This role underscored his strategic acumen and operational expertise in leading armour-heavy formations ready for rapid deployment.
Academic credentials from prestigious institutions
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant General Subramani pursued advanced military education both in India and abroad. He attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, after which he returned to India and was appointed Brigade Major of a mountain brigade.
His academic credentials include a Master of Arts from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University. He also attended the National Defence College in New Delhi as part of the 55th course. These qualifications have equipped him with deep understanding of defence strategy and international military affairs.
He served as a Divisional officer at his alma mater, the National Defence Academy, giving back to the institution where his military journey began.
Diverse staff and instructional appointments
Beyond command roles, Lieutenant General Subramani held numerous staff and instructional positions at Army Headquarters and regional commands. His assignments include serving as Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Astana, Kazakhstan. This diplomatic posting expanded his understanding of international military relations.
In the rank of Colonel, he served as Assistant Military Secretary in the Military Secretary’s Branch at Army Headquarters. He later served as Colonel General Staff (Operations) at Headquarters Eastern Command, gaining experience in eastern theatre operations.
He was appointed Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence (DDGMI) at Army HQ after completing the National Defence College course. He subsequently served as Brigadier General Staff (Operations) in the Eastern Command, further expanding his operational planning experience.
In Jammu and Kashmir, he served as Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles sector, adding counter-insurgency leadership experience to his credentials.
Senior leadership roles before CDS appointment
Lieutenant General Subramani served as Chief of Staff at Northern Command, one of the Army’s most critical operational commands. This position placed him at the heart of India’s northern border security operations
His tenure as Vice Chief of the Army Staff lasted from July 2024 to July 2025, marking his final Army posting before retirement. He was the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff, serving at the highest level of Army leadership.
From March 2023 to June 2024, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command. After retiring from the Army, he was appointed Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat from September 2025, specifically from September 1, 2025. This role bridged his military expertise with national security policy.
Highest military honours
For his exemplary service, Lieutenant General Subramani has been awarded some of the nation’s highest military honours. These include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). [original data]
The Param Vishisht Seva Medal recognises distinguished service of the most exceptional order. The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal acknowledges distinguished service of a high order. The Sena Medal is awarded for conspicuous leadership or outstanding service. The Vishisht Seva Medal recognises distinguished service of a high order. These decorations reflect his dedication, courage and outstanding contribution to the Indian Army.
What the CDS role entails
The Chief of Defence Staff serves as the professional head of all three services – Army, Navy and Air Force. In addition to this role, Subramani will serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs, managing defence procurement and inter-service coordination.
His career progression from battalion command through brigade, division and corps levels, combined with his staff experience at Army Headquarters and critical postings as Vice Chief and Military Adviser to NSCS, provides comprehensive preparation for the CDS role.
The transition from General Anil Chauhan to Lieutenant General Subramani ensures continuity in India’s military leadership at the highest level. His 39-year career demonstrates steady progression through increasingly responsible positions across operational and strategic domains.
