General NS Raja Subramani assumes charge as CDS

New Delhi, May 31: General NS Raja Subramani formally assumed charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi, marking the commencement of his tenure as the country’s highest-ranking military officer.
Taking over from Anil Chauhan, who completed his tenure on May 30, General Raja Subramani said the Armed Forces remain committed to strengthening national security through greater jointness, innovation and self-reliance.
Expressing gratitude for the trust reposed in the Armed Forces, the new CDS said the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Defence and other strategic institutions would work together under a “whole-of-nation approach” to advance the vision of “JAI” — Jointness, Atma Nirbharta and Innovation.
He emphasized that organisational reforms, enhanced synergy among the services and accelerated induction of indigenous defence systems would remain key priorities during his tenure.
The Government had appointed General NS Raja Subramani as the next CDS on May 9. He will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Government of India, from the date of assuming office.
Before taking over as CDS, General Raja Subramani served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. He earlier held key appointments, including Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command.
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, the officer has served in a wide range of operational, command and instructional roles over a distinguished military career spanning more than four decades.
He has commanded formations in counter-insurgency operations in Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and along strategic sectors of the country’s borders, besides leading the Army’s premier strike corps on the Western Front.
For his distinguished service, General NS Raja Subramani has been conferred with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, according to the Ministry of Defence. (JKNS)