General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, on May 31, 2026.

He acknowledged the exemplary leadership and contributions of his predecessors and pledged to build upon their achievements. Expressing gratitude for the trust reposed in the Defence Forces, he stated that they would work in unison with all stakeholders as part of a whole-of-nation approach to strengthen national security further. He emphasised enhancing jointness, integration and synergy among the Defence Forces, while focusing on the accelerated development, induction and integration of indigenous systems to achieve Aatmanirbharta.

The CDS called for innovation in thought and action, along with greater collaboration among stakeholders to drive capability development and modernisation. He commended the professionalism and operational readiness of the Defence Forces and reiterated his commitment to training and to the welfare of veterans and Veer Naris. He urged all ranks to embrace change, uphold military ethos and strive for excellence across all domains.

General NS Raja Subramani laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, paying homage to personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. He was also presented with a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.

Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, General Subramani is a highly decorated officer with over four decades of service. His career includes key command and staff appointments such as General Officer Commanding, 2 Corps; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command; and Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Prior to assuming charge as CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.