General N.S. Raja Subramani Appointed as India's Third CDS

General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) has been appointed as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. He assumed office on 31 May 2026, taking over from retired General Anil Chauhan.

Leadership Transition in Indian Armed Forces

The CDS position was first held by General Bipin Rawat, who served until his tragic demise in a helicopter crash in Kannur, Kerala, on 8 December 2021.

Following this, the post remained vacant from 9 December 2021 to 29 September 2022. Later, General Anil Chauhan (Retd.) was appointed as the second CDS on 30 September 2022.

New Phase of Military Leadership

With the completion of General Anil Chauhan’s tenure on 30 May 2026, General N.S. Raja Subramani has now taken charge as the new CDS.

In this role, he will oversee the coordination and integration of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking a crucial phase in India’s defence leadership.