Government Appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as Next Chief of Defence Staff
New Delhi, May 2026: The Government of India has appointed Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.Lt Gen Raja Subramani will assume office following the completion of the tenure of the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, on 30 May 2026.
A highly decorated officer with more than four decades of distinguished military service, Lt Gen Raja Subramani is presently serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025.During his illustrious career, he has held several key appointments, including Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command.
He has also commanded important operational formations along the Western and Northern fronts, contributing significantly to national security and operational preparedness.The appointment reflects the Government’s confidence in his vast operational experience, strategic vision, and leadership capabilities in strengthening India’s defence architecture and promoting jointness among the Armed Forces.
Officials and defence personnel across the country have extended their congratulations and best wishes to Lt Gen Raja Subramani on assuming the nation’s highest military appointment.
