Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has been named the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by the Indian government. He will take over for General Anil Chauhan, whose term is scheduled to expire on May 30.
Since September 1, 2025, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has been the Military Adviser of the National Security Council Secretariat.
Before that, from July 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, he was the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Additionally, from March 2023 to June 2024, he served as Central Command's General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).A Career in the Military
Lt Gen Subramani has served in the Indian Army for more than 37 years, having been commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.He has served in a variety of conflict areas and environments during his tenure. He has held a number of positions in instruction, staff, and command.He is renowned for his comprehension of the dynamics of operations on both the northern and western frontiers.
Education and Training Lieutenant General Subramani holds degrees from both the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the National Defence Academy (NDA).
Additionally, he attended the National Defence College in New Delhi and the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Bracknell, United Kingdom.
He has a M Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University and a Master of Arts from King's College London.

Honours and Awards
Lt Gen Subramani has received numerous honours for his outstanding service, including:
The Param Vishisht Seva Medal
Sena Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
The Vishisht Seva Medal
The appointment takes place as General Anil Chauhan gets ready to finish his term on May 30.