New Delhi, May 31, 2026: General NS Raja Subramani formally assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs on Saturday.
Upon taking office, General Subramani paid tribute to his predecessors and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India’s national security through greater jointness, integration, and synergy among the Armed Forces. He emphasized the importance of accelerating the development, induction, and integration of indigenous defence systems to achieve the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Highlighting the need for innovation and collaboration, the new CDS called for closer coordination among all stakeholders to drive military modernization and capability enhancement. He also praised the professionalism and operational readiness of the Armed Forces and reiterated his commitment to strengthening training standards while ensuring the welfare of veterans and Veer Naris.
As part of the assumption of office ceremony, General Subramani laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, paying homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. He was also accorded a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.
A highly decorated officer with more than four decades of distinguished service, General Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. During his illustrious career, he held several key appointments, including General Officer Commanding 2 Corps, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Command, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, and Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat before assuming the role of CDS.