Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani Appointed Next CDS

On 9th May 2026, the Government of India appointed N S Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

He will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, from the date of assuming charge until further orders.
The current CDS, General Anil Chauhan, will complete his tenure on May 30, 2026, after which Lt Gen Subramani will assume office.
Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani is a highly decorated officer with over four decades of distinguished military service.
Since September 2025, he has been serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
He previously served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command.
He has also commanded key operational formations along the Western and Northern fronts of India.