Government appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval chief
What's the story
The Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS). He will succeed General Anil Chauhan, who will complete his tenure on May 30. The appointment was announced by the Ministry of Defence on Saturday. "Government of India appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff," it said in a tweet.
Career highlights
Subramani commissioned into Garhwal Rifles in December 1985
Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985 after starting his journey at the National Defence Academy. He has attended prestigious military institutions, including the Joint Services Command Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in Delhi. He holds a Master's degree from King's College London and an MPhil from Madras University.
Leadership roles
He has served in various conflicts and terrains
Over his 35-year career, Subramani has served in various conflicts and terrains. He was the Defence attache at the Indian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. He also served as Assistant Military Secretary at Army headquarters and Colonel General Staff (Operations) at Headquarters Eastern Command. After being promoted to Brigadier, he commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba.
Twitter Post
Announcement of new CDS
Government of India appoints Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff, who will also serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He will assume office after Gen Anil Chauhan completes his tenure on 30 May 2026.
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 9, 2026
A highly… pic.twitter.com/wnbeitcpyX
Navy leadership
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan appointed as new naval chief
The government has also appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of Naval Staff. He will succeed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who will retire on May 31. Swaminathan was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987 and is an alumnus of several prestigious military institutions, including the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the United States Naval War College.
Career milestones
Swaminathan has held several key operational, staff, training appointments
Swaminathan has held several key operational, staff, and training appointments in his naval career. He commanded missile vessels INS Vidyut and Vinash, missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. He was also Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Southern Naval Command Headquarters in Kochi before being appointed Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.
Twitter Post
Announcement of new Naval chief
Government appoints Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. Currently serving as FOC-in-C, @IN_WNC, the Admiral brings nearly four decades of distinguished service, with extensive operational, strategic & personnel management… pic.twitter.com/5tFs4eR2xJ
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 9, 2026