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General NS Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed office as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), setting out an agenda focused on military transformation, greater integration among the three services and accelerated induction of indigenous defence systems.
General Subramani succeeds Anil Chauhan, who demitted office on Saturday after completing his tenure as the country’s top military officer.
Soon after taking charge, the new CDS said organisational reforms aimed at enhancing jointness and synergy among the armed forces would remain a key priority.
“Transformation of the armed forces and organisational reforms to enhance jointness, synergy and integration will be the primary focus. We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces,” General Subramani said.
Expressing gratitude to the nation for the trust reposed in the military, he underscored the need for a whole-of-nation approach to national security. He reiterated the government’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence production.
“I am honoured to assume charge as the Chief of Defence Staff. We are grateful to the
nation for the trust reposed in the Armed Forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Defence, strategic institutions and all stakeholders stand united to strengthen India’s security,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “JAI” – Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation – General Subramani said indigenous capability development would remain central to India’s security strategy.
“Atmanirbharta is a central pillar of our national security. We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces,” he added.
A highly regarded officer with extensive operational and strategic experience, General Subramani retired as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in July last year. Since then, he has been serving as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). He is widely recognised within strategic circles for his deep understanding of India’s security challenges relating to both Pakistan and China.
The office of the CDS was created in 2019 following recommendations made after the Kargil Review Committee review process. The position was first held by Bipin Rawat and was created to improve coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, drive military reforms, and promote integrated planning and operations.
General Subramani takes over at a critical juncture as the government pushes ahead with theatre command reforms, force modernisation and indigenisation of military hardware. His appointment is expected to provide continuity to ongoing efforts to enhance joint operational capabilities and to integrate the three services more closely.
In another significant change at the top military leadership level, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is set to take over as Chief of the Naval Staff from Dinesh K Tripathi. A highly decorated officer, Admiral Swaminathan has held a range of operational and staff appointments and has played a key role in the Navy’s modernisation initiatives.
The twin leadership transitions come as India seeks to strengthen military preparedness amid a complex regional security environment, while simultaneously advancing its long-term goals of self-reliance and integrated warfighting capability. With new chiefs at the helm of two of the country’s most important military appointments, the focus will now shift to the pace of reforms and capability development in the years ahead.
Team BharatShakti
