General Anil Chauhan Completes Tenure as CDS

General Anil Chauhan completed his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs on 30 May 2026. He received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi on the same day. Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd.) was appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff on 9 May 2026.

Chief of Defence Staff in India

The Chief of Defence Staff is the senior-most military appointment in India and functions as the principal military adviser to the Government of India. The office was created after the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee and the Group of Ministers process, and it was formally established in 2019. The CDS also serves as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs.

General Anil Chauhan’s Tenure

General Anil Chauhan was appointed CDS on 28 September 2022. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet extended his tenure until 30 May 2026 on 24 September 2025. The CDS post is held by a four-star officer from the Indian Armed Forces.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani’s Service Profile

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat from 1 September 2025. He was Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 July 2024 to 31 July 2025. He also served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Chief of Defence Staff is the highest-ranking uniformed military post in India.
• The Department of Military Affairs was created in 2019 under the Ministry of Defence.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approves senior government appointments in India.
• The South Block in New Delhi houses key offices of the Ministry of Defence.

Tri-Services Integration

The CDS office is linked with tri-services coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. The post is associated with defence reforms, joint planning and inter-service integration in India.