Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani appointed as new Chief of Defence Staff

NEW DELHI, May 9, 2026 — The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Department of Military Affairs have welcomed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs.

A highly distinguished soldier-scholar, the General brings more than forty years of military experience to the role, having served in a wide array of operational, command, and instructional positions across various conflict zones and terrains.

Prior to this appointment, NS Raja Subramani served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command. His extensive background in strategic leadership and operational planning is expected to be instrumental in his new capacity.

His career has been marked by a deep expertise in joint military affairs and higher defense management, making him a key figure for future military strategies.The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Department of Military Affairs expressed their best wishes to the General for his tenure.

He is tasked with leading significant defense reforms and fostering greater integration and jointness among the armed forces.

His leadership comes at a time when the nation continues to focus on modernizing its defense infrastructure and streamlining collective military capabilities.