Who is the next CDS and Navy Chief of the country? Know everything from name to work

By Samira Vishwas On May 9, 2026

The Defense Ministry on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the country. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been made the next Navy Chief. The orders of both the appointments were made public on Saturday morning.

Lieutenant General Raja Subramani will replace General Anil Chauhan on May 30. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Swaminathan will take over as Navy Chief in place of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on May 31. These appointments have taken place at a time when major military reforms are going on in the Defense Ministry, regarding the Central Command.

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Who is Lieutenant General Raja Subramani?

Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani recently retired from the post of Vice Chief of the Army. After this he is serving as a military advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat. He retired from the post of Vice Chief in July 2025 after 39 years of long service. He is an officer of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.

Lieutenant General Raja Subramani is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He has also served as the Central Army Commander in Lucknow. He has rendered important services on both the western and northern borders.

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Who is Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan?

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is currently commanding the Western Naval Command based in Mumbai. He has also previously been the Vice Chief of the Navy. He joined the Indian Navy in the year 1987. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is considered an expert in communications and electronic warfare.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has commanded many large ships including aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya. He has played an important role in strengthening the training and security system of the Navy. Now he will take command of the Navy. In view of the new challenges on the border, this is considered very important.