From Garhwal Rifles to India’s Top Military Post: Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed Next CDS

The Ministry of Defence stated that Lt Gen Raja Subramani will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he assumes office.

New Delhi: In a significant change in India’s top military leadership, the Central Government on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the country’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He will succeed General Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on May 30.

The Ministry of Defence stated that Lt Gen Raja Subramani will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he assumes office.

A Four-Decade Military Career

Currently serving as Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025, Lt Gen Raja Subramani earlier held the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), he was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly 40 years, he has held several key operational, intelligence, and strategic appointments across India and abroad.

His prominent assignments include:

• General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command
• Chief of Staff, Northern Command
• General Officer Commanding, II Corps
• Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence
• Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan
• Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington

Lt Gen Raja Subramani has served extensively in conflict zones and challenging operational theatres. He commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations under Operation Rhino in Assam, led the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and headed the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector.

He also commanded the Indian Army’s prestigious 2 Corps, one of the country’s premier strike formations, along the Western Front.

Strong Academic and Strategic Background

Beyond his training at NDA Khadakwasla and IMA Dehradun, the senior officer attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom, and the National Defence College in New Delhi.

His academic achievements include:

• Master of Arts from King’s College London
• M.Phil. in Defence Studies from the University of Madras
• Decorated for Distinguished Service

For his exemplary contribution to the armed forces, Lt Gen Raja Subramani has been awarded several of the country’s highest military honours, including:

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Sena Medal (SM)
• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)

India’s Third Chief of Defence Staff

With this appointment, Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani will become India’s third CDS after General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan.

The Chief of Defence Staff acts as the government’s principal military adviser and plays a crucial role in promoting jointness, coordination, and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.