Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani Appointed Next Chief Of Defence Staff By Government

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Centre has named Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on May 30. Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date of his assumption of office until further orders.

According to a an official release, N S Raja Subramani completed his studies at the National Defence College in Delhi. He also earned a Master of Arts from King's College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras.

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.5 QUESTIONS1Who has been appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff in India?⌵

Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff. He will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs.

2What is Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani's educational background?⌵

Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani studied at the National Defence College, earned a Master of Arts from King's College London, and an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras.

3What roles has Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani held in his military career?⌵

Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has served in various roles including Defence Attaché in Astana, Kazakhstan, Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles sector in Jammu and Kashmir, and commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade. He also served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat.

4Who is Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and what is his new role?⌵

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Navy. He is currently serving as the Western Naval Commander in Mumbai and will assume charge on May 31, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

5What is Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan's specialization and experience?⌵

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan specializes in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He has extensive operational, strategic, and personnel management experience, having commanded various Indian naval vessels and held significant flag rank appointments.

Prior to that, he was the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 01, 2024 to July 31, 2025 and was General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command from March 2023 till June 2024.

Over a distinguished military career spanning more than 35 years, he has served in a wide range of operational environments and conflict zones. His roles have included serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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As a Colonel, he worked as Assistant Military Secretary in the Military Secretary's branch at Army Headquarters and later served as Colonel General Staff (Operations) at Eastern Command Headquarters. In Jammu and Kashmir, he was Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles sector, the release stated.

After being promoted to Brigadier, he commanded the 168 Infantry Brigade stationed in Samba.

N S Raja Subramani later served as Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence at Army Headquarters before being promoted to Brigadier General Staff (Operations) in the Eastern Command.

In 2023, he assumed charge as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, succeeding Lieutenant General Yogendra Dimri upon his retirement. The following year, he was appointed the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff. After retiring from active service, he served as Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) until his recent elevation.

In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

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Meanwhile, Krishna Swaminathan, currently serving as the Western Naval Commander in Mumbai, will take over as the next Chief of the Indian Navy on May 31. He is expected to remain in office until December 31, 2028.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, he specialises in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His academic and professional training includes the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham (UK), the College of Naval Warfare in Karanja, and the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

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