Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Named New CDS, Navy Gets New Chief

The Centre has appointed Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff, while Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will take over as Navy chief later this month.

The Centre on Friday announced a major reshuffle in the country’s top military leadership, appointing retired Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of Naval Staff.

The appointments come ahead of the retirement of current CDS General Anil Chauhan and outgoing Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi later this month. Officials said the transition is expected to take place on May 31.

New CDS Appointed

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, who is currently serving as Military Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), has also been given the additional responsibility of Secretary of the Department of Defence Affairs.

According to government sources, his appointment is aimed at ensuring continuity in ongoing military reforms and integration efforts among the three services.

Subramani previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff and also headed the Army’s Central Command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. He retired from active military service last year before moving to the NSCS.

Long Army Career

Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, Subramani is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and later trained at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he handled several operational and staff assignments across sensitive regions, including Jammu and Kashmir and the eastern sector.

He also served as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, during a key phase of India’s defence outreach in Central Asia.

Officials familiar with his career said he was closely involved in operational planning and intelligence coordination during his tenure at Army Headquarters.

Roles Across Commands

As a Brigadier, Subramani commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir. He later served as Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence and held senior operational roles in Eastern Command.

In 2023, he took charge of Central Command before being elevated as the 47th Vice Chief of Army Staff in 2024.

His decorations include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

Navy To Get New Chief

In a parallel move, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of Naval Staff. He is currently heading the Western Naval Command based in Mumbai.

Officials said he will formally assume office on May 31 and is expected to serve till December 2028.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987, Swaminathan is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare and has held several operational and training assignments during his career.

Commanded Key Warships

The Vice Admiral has commanded major frontline naval platforms, including INS Vikramaditya, INS Mysore, INS Kulish, INS Vidyut and INS Vinash.

Defence officials noted that his tenure in senior leadership positions coincided with a period of increased maritime deployments and operational preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Before heading Western Naval Command, he served in roles such as Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet and Chief Staff Officer (Training).

Sources in the Navy said Swaminathan played a significant role in modernising naval training systems and improving operational safety mechanisms.

Strong Academic Background

Apart from operational experience, both officers are known for strong academic credentials.

Subramani holds a Master’s degree from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan earned degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Cochin University of Science and Technology, King’s College London and Mumbai University, where he later completed a PhD in International Studies.

Transition At Key Time

The leadership changes come at a time when the armed forces are pushing ahead with theatre command reforms, technology integration and increased coordination among the services.

Security analysts believe the appointments signal continuity in India’s long-term military modernisation plans, especially amid evolving regional security challenges.

The new CDS and Navy chief are expected to take charge later this month after formal handover ceremonies in New Delhi.