Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, May 9: The Government of India has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General (Retired) NS Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant transition in the country’s top military leadership structure.

Subramani will assume charge as the Chief of Defence Staff and will also serve as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence from the date he takes office and until further orders.

The CDS is the highest-ranking military position in India’s armed forces, responsible for ensuring coordination among the three services—the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force—and promoting integrated defence planning and operations.

The appointment comes ahead of the completion of the tenure of the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, whose term is scheduled to end on May 30. Subramani is expected to assume office immediately after the conclusion of Chauhan’s tenure.

CDS, Subramani will oversee joint operations and strategic coordination among the three branches of the armed forces, playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and modernization efforts.

The announcement is being seen as a key development in India’s defence leadership transition, with expectations that the new appointment will further enhance tri-service integration and operational efficiency within the armed forces.