Committed to implementing PM’s JAI vision, tri-service synergy, integration key focus: New CDS Gen Subramani

NEW DELHI: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, widely known as an expert on Pakistan and China, on Sunday took charge as India’s top military commander. Taking over the reins from CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, who retired after holding the key post for three-and-a-half years, General Subramani said, “We are committed to implementing the PM's vision of JAI — Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation.”

He said transformation of the armed forces and organisational reforms to enhance tri-services synergy and integration will be his primary focus. “We will accelerate the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons in our armed forces,” he said while addressing the media.

“Our armed forces consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he said, adding “innovation in thought and action” will drive the capability development of India's armed forces. “Greater collaboration between the military, industry, academia, startups and the research ecosystem will be the key enabler for modernisation,” he said.

The new CDS’s key objectives will be to accelerate and roll out India's ambitious military theaterisation plan—creating integrated theatre commands to improve coordination among the Indian Army, Navy and IAF. Alongside driving structural and tri-service reforms, his specific tasks include enhancing synergies among the three services in areas such as operations, logistics, transport, training and communications.

He also assured the country of the military's unwavering commitment to national defence, stating, “I assure the citizens of India that the armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, courage, honour, and professionalism.”

In his illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Gen Subramani served across a wide spectrum of conflict and terrain profiles and held a host of command, staff and instructional appointments.

He served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 and was General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 till June 2024. He commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles in counter-insurgency operations in Assam as part of Operation Rhino, the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector during a challenging operational environment.

An officer of the Garhwal Regiment, Gen Subramani previously served as Military Adviser to the National Security Advisory Committee, where he played a key role in strategic assessments and inter-agency coordination on national security matters.

While praising his predecessors, the CDS said, “I express my sincere gratitude to late General Bipin Rawat and General Anil Chauhan, my illustrious predecessors, for their exemplary leadership and contribution in this journey.”