New Delhi. 09 May 2026. Our Heartiest Congratulations to Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), on the Government of India appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan, who completes his tenure on May 30, 2026. He will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs.

As of May 2026, Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd.) has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, succeeding General Anil Chauhan, and will act as Secretary to the Department of Military Affairs. He previously retired as the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff on July 31, 2025.Key Details & Career Highlights:Appointment: Named as CDS on May 9, 2026, following his previous role as Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).Military Career: Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. Served 39 years in the Indian Army, including as GOC-in-C of Central Command and Vice Chief of the Army Staff.Experience: Commanded 16 Garhwal Rifles, an infantry brigade, the 17 Mountain Division in Sikkim, and II Corps.Education: Holds a Master of Arts from King’s College, London, and an M.Phil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras.Awards: Decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2024), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2020), Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.He is known as a distinguished officer with deep knowledge of strategic and tactical operations along India’s northern and western borders.