NS Raja Subramani appointed India’s next Chief of Defence Staff
Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd) has been appointed as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff, and he will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He is scheduled to take charge after General Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on May 30, 2026.
The appointment places a retired Army officer at the top of India’s higher defence management. The official announcement says the post will be held from the date he assumes charge and until further orders.
Reports also note that he is a highly decorated officer with over four decades of service. Media coverage identifies him as the successor to General Anil Chauhan, whose term ends on May 30, 2026.
This is an important leadership change for the armed forces because the CDS coordinates tri-service planning and reform. The government’s announcement confirms that the role includes the Department of Military Affairs as well.
