Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed Military Adviser to National Security Council Secretariat

New Delhi, August 25. The government has appointed former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NS (Retd) Raja Subramani as the new Military Adviser (MA) to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He will take charge on September 1, succeeding Air Marshal (Retd) Sandeep Singh, who has been serving in the role since early 2023, The Print news website reported.

The NSCS functions as the operational arm of the National Security Council under the National Security Advisor, coordinating inter-ministerial inputs and shaping policy on national security. Within its structure – comprising the Strategic Policy Group, National Security Advisory Board, and the Secretariat – the MA plays a crucial role, serving as the key link between the armed forces and the council. The office provides expert assessments on operational preparedness, capability development, and long-term force planning.

Lt Gen Subramani, who retired on July 31 after nearly four decades of service, brings a wide spectrum of command, staff, and diplomatic experience to his new role. Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, he commanded 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino, later leading formations along the Pakistan border and high-altitude deployments in Sikkim as General Officer Commanding of 17 Mountain Division.

His diverse staff assignments included Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence, Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at Eastern Command. He also represented India as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, adding an international dimension to his career.

At the higher command level, Lt Gen Subramani headed the Uttar Bharat Area and II Corps, one of the Army’s strike formations, before becoming Chief of Staff at Northern Command in 2022. He went on to serve as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command (March 2023-June 2024) and was elevated to Vice Chief of Army Staff in July 2024, a post he held until his superannuation this year.

Decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal, among several other honours, he is widely respected for his operational acumen and strategic insight. An alumnus of King’s College London and the University of Madras, he holds advanced degrees in Defence Studies, underscoring his blend of military leadership and academic depth.