General NS Raja Subramani Takes Charge as Chief of Defence Staff, Pledges Greater Jointness and Indigenous Capability
Third CDS vows to strengthen integration among armed forces and accelerate defence self-reliance
General NS Raja Subramani, India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, receives a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi on Sunday after assuming charge.
New Delhi: General NS Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, outlining a vision focused on greater integration among the armed forces, accelerated induction of indigenous military capabilities, and enhanced national security.
After taking charge, General Subramani acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors and pledged to build upon the foundations laid by them. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the armed forces and said the defence establishment would continue to work closely with all stakeholders under a whole-of-nation approach to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
Emphasising the importance of jointness and synergy among the three services, he said his priority would be to enhance integration across the armed forces while promoting the development, induction and operational integration of indigenous defence technologies and weapons systems in line with the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Calling for innovation in both thought and action, the new CDS stressed the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders to drive capability development and military modernisation. He commended members of the armed forces for their professionalism and operational readiness and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening training standards while ensuring the welfare of veterans and Veer Naris.
He urged personnel across all ranks to embrace change, uphold the highest standards of military ethos and strive for excellence in every sphere of service.
Earlier in the day, General Subramani paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He was also accorded a Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.
A highly decorated officer with more than four decades of military service, General Subramani was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. During his distinguished career, he has held several key command and staff appointments, including General Officer Commanding of 2 Corps, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, and Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Before assuming the role of CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
About the Chief of Defence Staff
The CDS serves as the principal military adviser to the government and plays a key role in promoting joint planning, procurement and operational integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force, while heading the Department of Military Affairs within the ministry of defence.
