Govt Appoints New CDS and Naval Chief in Key Defence Leadership Changes

May 9 (BNP): The Government of India on Saturday announced important leadership appointments in the armed forces, naming Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of the Naval Staff.

Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, will assume office as the Chief of Defence Staff and will also function as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs from the date he takes charge, until further orders. His appointment is aimed at further strengthening jointness among the three services and improving higher defence coordination and strategic planning.

In a parallel decision, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been appointed as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. He will take charge on the 31st of this month and will serve in the position until December 31, 2028.

Currently serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, Vice Admiral Swaminathan brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role. His appointment is expected to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness, maritime security capabilities, and ongoing modernisation efforts.

Officials stated that these appointments reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s defence leadership framework, ensuring seamless command transitions, and reinforcing national security preparedness across all three services.