“Deep Dive: What’s In Store For The New CDS”, Swarajya, June 09, 2026
“India’s tryst with the institution of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is in its seventh year. General NS Raja Subramani, like two of his illustrious predecessors, is an accomplished soldier, well regarded and astute. Even as we wish him great success and offer all the support, here are a few thoughts to accompany his ascent into office.
The CDS/DMA (Department of Military Affairs) was created as an instrument to shake up a somewhat moribund defence enterprise and impart new energy, direction and momentum to a national security system that was content chugging along. So, this is a good time for a wholesome audit.
How has the institution fared on this critical metric of transformation, in aligning the outlook, structures and culture of the Indian national security system with the taxonomy of modern combat? What are the challenges that stare the CDS in the face? What are the areas that he must prioritise? And most critically, how can the institution deliver military readiness, war-winning lethality and fail-proof deterrence, at speed and scale, given the nature of India’s rather challenging threat calculus……”
Read full article at swarajyamag.com
