Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani takes charge as India’s chief of defence staff

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) on Sunday pledged to drive military modernisation through innovation, collaboration and greater integration across sectors after taking charge as India's chief of defence staff (CDS), succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan.

In his first address after taking office, Gen Subramani said capability development in the armed forces would be shaped by new ideas and stronger partnerships between the military, industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem, The Times of India reported.

"Innovation in thought and action will drive our capability development. Greater collaboration between the military, the industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem will be the key enabler for modernisation," he said.

The new CDS reaffirmed the armed forces' commitment to safeguarding national interests and territorial integrity while prioritising the welfare and training of personnel.

"Our Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," he said.

Subramani also paid tribute to his predecessors, the late Gen Bipin Rawat and Gen Anil Chauhan.

"I express my sincere gratitude to late Gen Bipin Rawat and Gen Anil Chauhan, my illustrious predecessors, for their exemplary leadership and contribution in this journey," he said.

He added that the welfare of soldiers, veterans and Veer Naaris would remain a priority.

"We acknowledge the courage and professionalism of our soldiers, sailors and air warriors. Their training and welfare will be our foremost priority. We hope we pay homage to our brave hearts whose valour, sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire us. We are committed to the welfare of our veterans and Veer Naaris. I assure the citizens of India that the Armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour, and professionalism," he said.

Subramani takes charge as Gen Anil Chauhan concluded a three-year-and-eight-month tenure as India's second CDS, a period marked by efforts to strengthen joint collaboration among the army, navy and air force and advance military reforms.

Gen Chauhan, who assumed office in September 2022 following the death of India's first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, played a key role in promoting tri-services integration, advancing the theatre command model and overseeing major joint initiatives, including Operation Sindoor.

As secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, he also led efforts to improve civil-military integration, modernisation and indigenisation within the armed forces under the guiding principles of Joint collaboration, Atmanirbharta and Innovation.

Reflecting on his tenure, Gen Chauhan said, "I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure."

"It's a matter of great honour for me to superannuate with a tri-services guard of honour. I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS (Integrated Defence Staff) for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms. I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life," he said.

A decorated officer, Gen Chauhan served for more than four decades and held several key command and staff appointments, including director general of Military Operations and eastern army commander.

He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal during his military career.