New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The central government on Saturday unveiled key appointments in the country’s armed forces, naming retired Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the incoming Chief of the Indian Navy.
Lt Gen Subramani will assume charge after the retirement of General Anil Chauhan on May 31. His appointment places him at the helm of India’s tri-services structure, where he will also serve as Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. Government rules permit the CDS to remain in office until the age of 65.
Currently serving as Military Adviser in the National Security Council Secretariat, Lt Gen Subramani took charge of the role in September last year. Over his nearly four-decade military career, he has handled several high-profile operational assignments and strategic responsibilities.
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in 1985, he has commanded troops in counter-insurgency operations in Assam, led formations in Jammu and Kashmir, and headed the 17 Mountain Division in sensitive sectors along the India-China frontier. He also commanded the prestigious 2 Corps on the western front and later led the Central Army Command, which oversees critical border areas along the Line of Actual Control.
Apart from field postings, he has represented India abroad as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan and pursued advanced military education in both India and the United Kingdom.
In another major appointment, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will take over as the next Chief of Naval Staff following the retirement of Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi at the end of May.
A specialist in communication and electronic warfare, Vice Admiral Swaminathan joined the Indian Navy in 1987 and currently heads the Western Naval Command. His long service includes command of frontline warships such as INS Vidyut, INS Vinash, INS Kulish, INS Mysore and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
He has also undergone professional military training at premier institutions including the National Defence Academy, the College of Naval Warfare, the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK, and the US Naval War College.
The appointments come at a crucial time as India continues strengthening defence preparedness and enhancing integration among its armed forces.
