Gen NS Raja Subramani takes charge as CDS, pledges push for military modernisation and innovation
New Delhi, May 31. General NS Raja Subramani on May 31 assumed office as India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Anil Chauhan, and outlined a vision centred on military modernisation, innovation and deeper collaboration across the defence ecosystem.
In his first address after taking charge, Gen Subramani emphasised that the future capability development of the armed forces would be driven by innovative thinking and stronger partnerships between the military, industry, academia, startups and research institutions.
He said innovation in both thought and execution would remain central to strengthening India’s military capabilities, adding that closer cooperation among stakeholders across the defence and technology sectors would serve as a key catalyst for modernisation.
The new CDS reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests, while underscoring the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational readiness.
Highlighting the role of military personnel in national security, Gen Subramani said the training, preparedness and welfare of soldiers, sailors and air warriors would remain among his foremost priorities. He also reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to supporting veterans and Veer Naaris, while paying tribute to personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
Gen Subramani expressed gratitude to his predecessors, India’s first CDS, the late Bipin Rawat, and Gen Chauhan, acknowledging their contributions to the evolution of the CDS institution and the ongoing transformation of the armed forces.
His appointment comes as Gen Chauhan concluded a tenure of more than three-and-a-half years as India’s second CDS, a period marked by significant efforts to enhance jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force and accelerate military reforms.
Taking office in September 2022 following the death of Gen Rawat, Gen Chauhan played a pivotal role in advancing tri-service integration, promoting the proposed theatre command structure and overseeing several major joint initiatives, including Operation Sindoor. As Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, he also spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening civil-military integration, defence indigenisation and force modernisation under the guiding principles of jointness, self-reliance and innovation.
Gen Subramani now assumes leadership of the country’s highest military post at a time when the armed forces are pursuing ambitious reforms to enhance combat readiness, integrate emerging technologies and build indigenous capabilities to address evolving security challenges.
