General N.S. Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, taking over the country’s highest military position with a strong focus on integration among the armed forces, indigenous defence capabilities and innovation.
Soon after assuming office, General Subramani paid homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He was later accorded a ceremonial Tri-Services Guard of Honour at South Block.
Focus on Jointness, Self-Reliance and Innovation
Addressing the media after taking charge, General Subramani expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Armed Forces and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India’s national security.
He said the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, strategic institutions and other stakeholders would continue working together under a “Whole of Nation” approach to enhance the country’s defence preparedness.
Outlining his priorities, the new CDS highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “JAI” vision — Jointness, Atma Nirbharta and Innovation — as the guiding framework for future military reforms.
Greater Integration Among the Three Services
General Subramani said enhancing synergy and operational coordination among the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force would remain a key focus area.
He emphasized that ongoing organisational reforms aimed at improving joint planning, integration and operational effectiveness would be accelerated to build a more capable and future-ready military force.
Officials noted that strengthening tri-service cooperation remains one of the most important responsibilities of the Chief of Defence Staff.
Push for Indigenous Defence Capabilities
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance in national security, General Subramani said India would continue to accelerate the development and induction of indigenous defence technologies and weapon systems.
He stressed that Atma Nirbharta in defence manufacturing is central to India’s long-term security strategy and will play a crucial role in reducing dependence on imports while strengthening domestic defence production capabilities.
The new CDS also underlined the importance of innovation in military planning, technology adoption and operational preparedness.
Distinguished Career Spanning Four Decades
A highly decorated officer with over four decades of military service, General N.S. Raja Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.
During his distinguished career, he held several important command and staff appointments, including:
- General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Corps
- General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command
- Vice Chief of Army Staff
- Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat
Prior to assuming charge as CDS, he was serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
Commitment to Soldiers, Veterans and Veer Naris
General Subramani also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and Veer Naris.
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He called upon all ranks of the Armed Forces to embrace change, uphold the highest standards of military ethos and continue striving for excellence in every aspect of service.
New Phase in India’s Defence Leadership
The appointment of General N.S. Raja Subramani marks the beginning of a new phase in India’s defence leadership, with a renewed emphasis on joint military structures, indigenous capability development and technological innovation.
Defence officials believe his extensive operational experience and strategic expertise will play a crucial role in advancing military reforms and strengthening India’s overall defence preparedness in the years ahead.