General N.S. Raja Subramani Becomes India's Defence Chief

General N.S. Raja Subramani assumed charge as India's new Chief of Defence Staff on Sunday, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. The senior military officer took over the nation's top military post in a ceremony in New Delhi that included laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and receiving a Guard of Honour.

In his first remarks, General Subramani stated he was honored by the appointment and expressed gratitude for the nation's trust in the armed forces. He emphasized a unified, whole-of-nation approach to security involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Ministry of Defence, and strategic institutions. The new CDS outlined his primary focus as the transformation of the armed forces through organizational reforms to enhance joint operations, synergy, and integration.

He identified self-reliance as a central pillar of national security, pledging to accelerate the development and induction of indigenous weapons. General Subramani also highlighted innovation as a key driver for capability development, calling for greater collaboration between the military, industry, academia, and research institutions. He affirmed the armed forces' commitment to protecting national sovereignty...