Says Organisational Reforms Will Be the Primary Focus for Transforming the Armed Forces

NEW DELHI, May 31 (H.S.): General N.S. Raja Subramani on Sunday formally assumed office as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns and paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

Speaking after taking charge, the new CDS said that organisational reforms aimed at transforming the armed forces would remain his foremost priority. He emphasized that self-reliance constitutes a central pillar of India’s national security strategy and reaffirmed the commitment to accelerating the induction of indigenously developed defence systems and weaponry into military service.

“I am deeply honoured to assume the responsibilities of the Chief of Defence Staff,” General Raja Subramani said. “We are grateful to the nation for the trust it has placed in the armed forces. Innovation in thought and action will enhance our capabilities. Greater collaboration among the military, industry, academia, startups, and the research ecosystem will be a key driver of modernisation. Our armed forces have consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational excellence in safeguarding the nation’s interests. We remain firmly committed to defending India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The CDS also paid heartfelt tribute to his predecessors, General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan, acknowledging their outstanding leadership and invaluable contributions to the institution.

Recognising the dedication of military personnel, he said, “We salute the courage and professionalism of our soldiers, sailors, and air warriors. Their training, preparedness, and welfare will remain our highest priority. We will continue to honour the memory of our brave personnel whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to the nation inspire us every day. We are equally committed to the welfare of our veterans and Veer Naris.”

He assured the citizens of India that the armed forces would continue to serve the nation with unwavering dedication, courage, honour, and professionalism.

The Government of India created the post of Chief of Defence Staff on January 1, 2020, with the objective of enhancing coordination and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. General Bipin Rawat became the country’s first CDS and served from January 1, 2020, until his untimely death in a helicopter crash in Kannur, Kerala, on December 8, 2021.

The position remained vacant from December 9, 2021, to September 29, 2022. Subsequently, General Anil Chauhan (Retd.) was appointed as the second CDS on September 30, 2022. His tenure concluded on May 30, following which Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) was entrusted with the responsibility as the nation’s third Chief of Defence Staff.

With his appointment, General Raja Subramani now assumes the crucial role of overseeing and coordinating India’s three armed services, guiding their joint operational preparedness, modernisation, and strategic integration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar