General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as India’s 3rd Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, on Sunday (31 May), a day after General Anil Chauhan superannuated from the country’s top military post on Saturday (30 May).
His appointment marks the beginning of a new tenure at a time when the armed forces are placing greater emphasis on jointness, integration and indigenous capability development.
Soon after taking charge, General Subramani laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
He was later presented a tri-services Guard of Honour at South Block in the national capital, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said in a statement on X.
A highly decorated officer with more than four decades of service, General Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.
Over the course of his career, he has held several key command and staff appointments, including General Officer Commanding 2 Corps, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Command and Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Before assuming charge as CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
After taking over, General Subramani acknowledged the leadership and contribution of his predecessors and said he would build on their achievements. He expressed gratitude to the nation for the trust placed in the Armed Forces and said they would work in unison with all stakeholders as part of a Whole of Nation approach to strengthen national security.
The new CDS said he would work towards enhancing jointness, integration and synergy among the Armed Forces. He also stressed accelerated development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons to achieve Atmanirbharta in defence capability.
General Subramani called for innovation in thought and action, along with greater collaboration among stakeholders to drive capability development and modernisation.
He also complimented the Armed Forces for their professionalism and operational readiness, while reiterating his commitment to the training and welfare of serving personnel, veterans and Veer Naris.
Urging all ranks to embrace change, uphold military ethos and strive for excellence in all spheres, General Subramani placed jointness, indigenous modernisation and personnel welfare at the centre of his first message after assuming charge as CDS.
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