General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, led the last Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting before his upcoming retirement. Serving as the second CDS since September 30, 2022, General Chauhan’s leadership focused on enhancing jointness, integration, and operational synergy among the Services, including progress towards Theaterisation. The Indian Defence Forces expressed gratitude and best wishes to both General Chauhan and Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi ahead of their superannuation.
Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Chauhan upon his retirement on May 30. Lt Gen Raja Subramani, a highly decorated officer with over 40 years of military service, will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs. The Ministry of Defence praised his distinguished career, highlighting his roles as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat and previous positions as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and GOC-in-C, Central Command.
Lt Gen Raja Subramani’s military journey began at the National Defence Academy, leading to his commission into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. With a strong operational and strategic background, he underwent training at prestigious institutions like the Joint Services Command Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in New Delhi. Additionally, Lt Gen Subramani holds academic qualifications from King’s College London and Madras University, contributing to his extensive experience in various operational environments and conflict zones, including serving as Defence Attache in Kazakhstan.
