India’s new CDS General NS Raja Subramani calls on President Droupadi Murmu

New Delhi: The new chief of defence staff (CDS), General NS Raja Subramnani called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, on Monday. This comes a day after taking General Subramani took charge as India’s third CDS.

General Subramani took charge as the country’s top military officer on Sunday. As CDS, he serves as the principal military advisor to the government on triservices matters and also heads efforts to promote jointness and integration among the armed forces.

Following his appointment, General Subramani expressed gratitude to the nation for the trust reposed in the armed forces and emphasized the importance of a “whole of nation” approach to strengthening national security.

He said the armed forces, along with other stakeholders, would work in close coordination to further strengthen India’s national security architecture.

General Subramani will work towards enhancing jointness, integration and synergy in the defence forces, while focusing on the acceleration development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons to promote vision of Atmanirbharta, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

With a military career spanning more than four decades, General Subramani has held a number of key operational and staff appointments since joining the Garhwal Rifles in 1985. His previous assignments include leading 2 Corps, heading the Central Command, and serving as the vice-chief of the Army staff.

Prior to taking over as CDS, he served as military advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat. Widely regarded as an expert on Pakistan and China, General Subramani succeeds General Anil Chauhan as India’s most senior military officer.