New Delhi: The Centre has appointed N S Raja Subramani as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on May 30.
Lieutenant General Subramani will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he assumes office. A veteran officer of the Indian Army, he was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985 after graduating from the National Defence Academy.
Over a military career spanning more than three decades, Subramani held several important operational and strategic appointments across India and abroad. His experience includes service in Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Command, Military Intelligence, and diplomatic responsibilities as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan. He also served as the General Officer Commanding in Chief of Central Command before becoming the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff in 2024.
Following his retirement from active service, he was appointed Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat. He holds academic qualifications from King’s College London and University of Madras. For his distinguished service, he has received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Meanwhile, Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of Naval Staff, replacing Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who retires on May 31.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has held several key operational, training, and leadership positions throughout his naval career. He commanded major naval assets including INS Vikramaditya, INS Mysore, INS Kulish, INS Vinash, and INS Vidyut.
He also played a major role in strengthening naval training and operational safety while serving in senior positions such as Flag Officer Sea Training and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. Currently serving as Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Western Naval Command, Swaminathan has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Sena Medal for his service to the nation.
