Who Is Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani? Meet India’s Next Chief of Defence Staff

Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani (Retd) has been appointed India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Anil Chauhan whose tenure ends on May 30. The Centre has also named Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Indian Navy, with both appointments signalling continuity in senior military leadership.

From the day Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani takes charge, the officer will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs. This dual role will continue until fresh orders are issued, aligning the top military advisory post with key policy responsibilities within the defence establishment.

Career profile of the Chief of Defence Staff and Indian Navy Chief

Over more than 35 years in uniform, Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has worked across varied conflict zones and operational deployments. The officer earlier headed the Central Command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief from March 2023 to June 2024, before moving to New Delhi as the 47th Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Following retirement from active Army service, Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani served as Military Advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat. The officer has also been posted abroad as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, adding diplomatic exposure to an already wide operational and staff background.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the incoming Indian Navy Chief, is currently the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command in Mumbai. The officer will assume charge as Chief of the Naval Staff on May 31, taking over from Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and is expected to remain in the post until December 31, 2028.

Key roles held by the Chief of Defence Staff and Indian Navy Chief

Within the Army, Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has held several important staff appointments. As a Colonel, the officer served as Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters and later became Colonel General Staff (Operations) at Eastern Command Headquarters, handling operational planning responsibilities at a key theatre formation.

Operationally, the officer has commanded forces in sensitive areas. In Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani worked as Deputy Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles sector, according to the official release. After promotion to Brigadier, the officer led the 168 Infantry Brigade based in Samba, which is located close to the international border.

The Army also entrusted Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani with critical intelligence and operational oversight. The officer served as Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence at Army Headquarters. Later, at Eastern Command, the officer became Brigadier General Staff (Operations), overseeing planning and coordination for formations operating in that region.

Position Name Service Assumes Office Key Recent Role

Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani (Retd) Indian Army After May 30, 2025 Vice Chief of the Army Staff

Chief of the Indian Navy Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Indian Navy May 31, 2025 Western Naval Commander, Mumbai

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan brings extensive experience in operations, strategy, and personnel management within the Indian Navy. The officer has commanded multiple Indian naval warships and later held senior flag rank positions, helping shape maritime security planning and organisational leadership within the force over several decades of service.

Education, honours and training of the Chief of Defence Staff and Indian Navy Chief
Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has completed higher military and academic education in India and abroad. The officer studied at the National Defence College in Delhi, obtained a Master of Arts degree from King's College London, and earned an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, strengthening strategic and defence studies expertise.

For professional recognition, Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani has received several decorations. The officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, reflecting sustained service in operational, staff and command roles across the Army's hierarchy and different theatres.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has a background in Communication and Electronic Warfare, a core naval specialisation area. Training has included the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham in the United Kingdom, the College of Naval Warfare in Karanja, and the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Beyond the appointments themselves, the changes place experienced officers at the top of India's military leadership structure. With Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani as Chief of Defence Staff and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as Indian Navy Chief, the armed forces leadership continues with officers familiar with joint operations, higher defence management and strategic planning.