The Centre on Friday announced the appointment of Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the future Chief of the Naval Staff.

Gen Anil Chauhan’s tenure would end on May 30, 2026 and Lt Gen Raja Subramani will take over thereafter, the Ministry of Defence said. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi once the latter retires on May 31.

Who is Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani?

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence termed Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani as a “highly decorated officer with over four decades of distinguished service”. The officer, who has been honoured with PVSM, AVSM, SM and VSM, is presently working as Military Adviser at National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025, the ministry said.

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The ministry also said he had also been the Vice Chief of Army Staff and GOC-in-C, Central Command and had commanded important operational units on the Western and Northern fronts. After taking control as CDS, he will also be Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, the administration said. Lt Gen Raja Subramani will succeed Gen Anil Chauhan who is scheduled to end his term later this month.

He retired as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in July 2025. According to PIB, the officer’s military journey started at the National Defence Academy before he was commissioned into The Garhwal Rifles in December 1985. He also has a strong academic credentials, holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College, London and an MP.Phil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. During his nearly four-decade-long tenure, he has served in several command, staff and instructional roles across different operational regions. He also has particular experience along the Western and Northern borders.

Who is Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan?

The government has appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the next Chief of Naval Staff. The commander is presently serving as Flag commander Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command, the Ministry of Defence stated.

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The government said he is an officer with “nearly four decades of distinguished service” in his career and has “extensive operational, strategic & personnel management experience across key appointments in the Indian Navy”.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVMS), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) during his service in the Navy. He will succeed Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who is retiring on 31 May 2026. The statements were made in separate social media posts by the Ministry of Defence.

As per PIB, the officer was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987 and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. During his naval career, he has commanded several warships and naval platforms, including missile vessels Vidyut and Vinash, guided missile destroyer Mysore, aircraft carrier Vikramditya and missile corvette Kulish. He also has served on several senior operational and personnel appointments namely Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff before taking over Western Naval Command.  He has studied at institutions including the National Defence Academy, the US Naval War College and King’s College London. He holds degrees in defence studies, telecommunications, strategic studies along with a PhD in international Studies.